Ten Hag ‘will give opportunity’ to £190k-a-week star at Old Trafford

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire getting a vote of confidence from Erik Ten Hag is a “positive sign”, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The £190,000 per-week defender came under serious scrutiny for his underwhelming form last season, although the Dutchman has already put questions over his future to bed by saying that he’s looking forward to working with the England international.

What’s the latest news involving Maguire?

Despite being one of United’s worst performers for long periods of last season, Maguire still made 37 appearances, taking his overall tally to 144 since he signed from Leicester City in 2019.

However, the Manchester Evening News reported back in April that Maguire could be stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag following his catastrophic form, which eventually led to him being dropped from the side by Ralf Rangnick.

But Ten Hag has already spoken highly of Maguire, describing him as a ‘great player‘ and said that he’s looking forward to working with the ex-Hull and Sheffield United centre-back.

Furthermore, Ten Hag also admitted that he’s happy to put last season in the past, which O’Rourke reckons is only good news for Maguire.

What did O’Rourke say about Maguire?

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Ten Hag has already come out and said he is planning to stick with Harry Maguire, so that is a positive sign for Maguire that Ten Hag will give him that opportunity to remain in the United team, the rest is up to Maguire.”

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Could Maguire keep his place in the side?

Ten Hag’s comments will surely be a huge boost to Maguire’s confidence, which is likely to be at an all-time low.

However, the Dutchman’s kind words about the defender don’t guarantee his place in the starting line up heading into next season.

But they should give Maguire belief that he can turn his United career around by rediscovering his best form and firmly putting the 2021-2022 campaign behind him.

As O’Rourke alluded to, though, Ten Hag has done his bit, it’s now down to the 29-year-old to start leading by example and doing his talking on the pitch.

Not only is Maguire now one of United’s most experienced players following the departures of Nemanja Matic, Juan Matic and Paul Pogba, but he’s the captain of the club and someone the younger faces will be hoping to rely on.

Therefore, after months of misery, it’s time for Maguire to stand up, be counted and do all he can to get the Ten Hag reign off to a positive start.

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