Harry Maguire has been urged by Erik ten Hag to emulate his performance for England while playing for Manchester United in order to force his way back into the starting lineup for the Red Devils.
Before traveling to the World Cup with England and playing in all five of their games during their march to the quarterfinals, Maguire made just three Premier League starts for United this season.
Although Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have emerged as Ten Hag’s favourite combo at United this season, Gareth Southgate has consistently supported the center-back on the international scene.
Ten Hag feels that Maguire can return to Old Trafford with confidence after his outstanding performances in Qatar following England’s elimination by France on Saturday.
“I can only back him. I’ve been asked many times if he is good enough [to play for me] and it is clear he is good enough to play at the highest level,” the United manager told reporters.
“And then it is up to him to show that confidence on the pitch and he didn’t show that in all the games [for United].
“When he is playing with his confidence like now, he is a massively important player for us and that is what everyone expects. That’s what Harry expects from himself.
“He has that high standard, he wants to play at the highest level, he wants to lead the defensive line, so it is up to him. I’m sure he has the potential to play in our style and fit into our system.
“He has, for England, almost all the time good games. He had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then, of course, there are difficulties but when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch.
“When he is working hard you will get that confidence and you are seeing that with the way he is playing for England.
“We want him to bring that back to Manchester with him so he can bring it on the pitch for Manchester United. I expect from him, the team knows what they expect from him. If he does that he will be a great player for us.”
Last night hurt. Absolutely gutted. Special thanks to Gareth and you amazing fans who kept belief in me. I love my country and I hope we made you proud. 🏴🦁 pic.twitter.com/8qd4rJcaIm
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) December 11, 2022
Maguire missed some of United’s Premier League season due to a hamstring injury, but even when healthy, Ten Hag has preferred Martinez, Varane, and Victor Lindelof to the 29-year-old.
Ten Hag affirmed that he has no problems with Maguire and insisted that subsequent strong performances will result in a return to his starting XI.
“When I choose Rapha [Varane] it is nothing against Harry,” he continued. “Sometimes it is because one player is a lot better than the other.
“But I think I have two or three good players there in the right centre-back position.
“After Brentford, I had a feeling I had to change. He was unlucky that moment was bad for him but it doesn’t say anything about his quality that he can’t do it or my opinion about his quality.
“Rapha came in and is doing a good job. There are laws of the game in top football – you have to take your chance. Your chance will always come.
“The only thing he has to do is train well, perform well, he has games, he has rhythm and his chance will come. He will have a chance to show it and then he’s in and he will play.”
As for Maguire’s future, Ten Hag added: “Only when he doesn’t want to be in these circumstances any more. Until that moment, I am happy with him.
“I have said it to him and you, I can do nothing more. It is up to him to contribute to play himself into the team.
“We have 16 to 18 players in the squad and that is what you need at the top level if you want to play for trophies. All the number of games we have to cover and then it is about the players who construct the best team, and that team we will pick. It is nothing to do with being personal.”