Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has paid tribute to Harry Maguire's performance in Saturday's Premier League clash with the defender's former club Sheffield United.
Maguire started against Brentford before the international break and kept his spot in the XI against Sheffield United even though Raphael Varane had returned to fitness.
The England international put in a man-of-the-match performance against the Blades, and Ten Hag revealed his delight at the centre-back's performance.
Maguire was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford over the summer, with West Ham United pushing to sign him, but he remained with the Red Devils past the transfer deadline.
Man United made it back-to-back wins on Saturday, recording a 2-1 victory over the team at the bottom of the table, with Diogo Dalot netting the game's decisive goal in the second period.
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"I have to say to Harry [Maguire] - Jonny [Evans] as well - but Harry, he is playing like we want him to play. Very proactive," Ten Hag told reporters after the clash with Sheffield United.
"Out of possession, dominating his opponent. Stepping in when necessary. Reading the game. But also in possession very proactive stepping in, delivering good passing. Vertical passing. Good switches. I am happy with his performance."
Maguire's future is again likely to be the subject of speculation in 2024, but with Lisandro Martinez out for an extended period following a foot operation, there is a chance that the defender could nail down a spot in the side alongside Varane.
"The first half was not our game. We made it their game. Opportune, direct. We made it too direct instead of keeping the ball, passing it round," Ten Hag added during his post-game press conference.
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"Keeping them working. We were also very direct and then we lost control of the game. They shouldn't score, especially in such moments and that has to give confidence and take the ball and let the opponent run.
"We made some corrections at half-time and I think after half-time it was more the side we want to see."
Man United will now switch their attention to Tuesday's Champions League clash with Copenhagen, which is a must-win contest for the Red Devils, having lost their opening two group-stage fixtures.
"We have to build on but we have to also step up. I am happy with the performance and the step up in the second half but not in the first half. We have to go from game to game. Not to look too far ahead. [Now] we focus on Copenhagen," Ten Hag added.
Left-back Sergio Reguilon is expected to return from injury against Copenhagen, which will mean a reshuffle at the back, with Victor Lindelof potentially switching to central defence.
Matt Law
