Manchester United secured an important victory against Fulham on Saturday (0-1), and at the heart of the defense, Harry Maguire once again made an excellent impression. The English international has proven in recent weeks that he can indeed be of value to the record champions.
Maguire lost his starting position and captain's armband at Old Trafford last season and seemed to be on his way out during the last transfer period. Manchester United was willing to let the center-back go to West Ham United. However, Maguire himself put an end to the potential move to London.
Now, with Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane dealing with injuries (the latter is on the comeback trail and has had some short substitute appearances), Maguire has been starting for United for some time. He was chosen as Man of the Match in the 1-2 victory over Sheffield United and performed excellently against Fulham on Saturday.
Ten Hag was very pleased with Maguire's performance. "Not only was he good defensively, but also on the ball, with passes that cut through the lines," the manager said to TNT Sports. "It was a very good match for him. I have always said that he can do this, but last season we had a very solid combination in the center, and he did not get the chance to play. But when he did play, it was just good. Now he has the chance, and I have always said: if you do well, you stay in."
Captain Bruno Fernandes, who scored the winning goal against Fulham just before the end, also had kind words for Maguire after the game: "He was very important for us today," said the Portuguese. "I don't want to focus too much on one player, but Harry has dealt with a lot of criticism and is now doing very well for us. I hope he can maintain this level."
