![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/erik-ten-hag-u-turn-on-harry-maguire-speaks-volumes-as-man-utd-boss-changes-mind-on-star/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/0_Harry-Maguire-proves-Erik-ten-Hag-wrong-as-Man-Utd-managers-U-turn-speaks-volumes.jpg&description=Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag deployed Harry Maguire in his preferred left-sided role in the centre of defence in an impressive display - backtracking on his previous comments Harry Maguire impressed in his first start of the season for Manchester United and his position in the left-sided central defensive role also represented a change of heart from boss Erik ten Hag. The United manager ruled out Maguire playing in the position again less than six months ago, but the 30-year-old started Tuesday night's EFL Cup victory over Crystal Palace in that role – partnering Raphael Varane in the heart of Ten Hag's side's defence. In Maguire's preferred left-sided centre-back role, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, a left-back by trade, had moved ahead of him in the position last term. Swedish defender Victor Lindelof was also often selected over the England international in that role over the past 12 months. That had forced Maguire out of Ten Hag's first-choice backline with Varane nailing down the right-sided position in the centre of defence. The Frenchman captained United in Tuesday night's win over Crystal Palace and appeared to have a solid understanding and partnership with Maguire. It was a much-changed defence for United with Martinez, Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sergio Reguilon among the absentees, while Varane and Maguire have only just returned to fitness themselves. Sofyan Amrabat – making his first start for the club – started in a left-back role. But it was Maguire's selection in a left-sided role which was notable. Speaking after April's win at Nottingham Forest last campaign, Ten Hag rejected the suggestion that Maguire would be played in his preferred left-sided central defensive role again: "Not this season," the United boss explained after a tough outing for the defender. "The angles are not good for Harry if he is playing on the left side, it's difficult for him also defending in wide areas on his left foot but I think he is more capab){kind=link}
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag deployed Harry Maguire in his preferred left-sided role in the centre of defence in an impressive display – backtracking on his previous comments
Harry Maguire impressed in his first start of the season for Manchester United and his position in the left-sided central defensive role also represented a change of heart from boss Erik ten Hag.
The United manager ruled out Maguire playing in the position again less than six months ago, but the 30-year-old started Tuesday night’s EFL Cup victory over Crystal Palace in that role â partnering Raphael Varane in the heart of Ten Hag’s side’s defence.
In Maguire’s preferred left-sided centre-back role, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, a left-back by trade, had moved ahead of him in the position last term. Swedish defender Victor Lindelof was also often selected over the England international in that role over the past 12 months.
That had forced Maguire out of Ten Hag’s first-choice backline with Varane nailing down the right-sided position in the centre of defence. The Frenchman captained United in Tuesday night’s win over Crystal Palace and appeared to have a solid understanding and partnership with Maguire.