Erik Ten Hag Expresses Harry Maguire Backing As He States The Manchester United Defender Is Still First Choice

Erik ten Hag has expressed his support towards Manchester United captain Harry Maguire ahead of the new season.

The new manager has already had some important decisions to make in his first weeks as manager at Old Trafford.

One of which has been the decision to continue with the heavily criticised Maguire as the club captain next season.

Last season was a horrible campaign for United's no.5 and it led to floods of doubt regarding his position as captain, and as a starter, at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, Ten Hag has spoken words of support for the Englishman.

The Dutchman states that he will back his defender completely.

While others are more focused on kicking a player whilst he's down, Ten Hag recognises that Maguire has the abilities to be a top class centre-back, but he has to put in the work in order to do so.

"I will support him everywhere I can. In the end, he has to do it by himself and he has the qualities to do it," the manager said in a press conference before United's third game of pre-season.

"He has showed it so often in the past. I always see the captaincy as an issue that I dictate."

Harry Maguire of Manchester United. (Alamy)

The decision to keep the 29-year-old as captain has been one that splits opinion, but Ten Hag says that Maguire is the man for the job.

"The team building for me is an important point and I always talk about a group of leaders. The captain is a really important one and I’m happy with him."

With Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and now Lisandro Martinez; Maguire has solid competition at the heart of defence in order to continue being a consistent starter.

Yet, his manager believes that he will be a key member of his team, as long as he can return to previous form of 2020/21.

"I think he is." Ten Hag answered, when asked if Maguire will be a first-choice starter. "He’s proved it in the past but he has also to prove it in the present time and in the future.”

The manager did, however, reiterate the strength in depth that United have in the defence.

"Harry [Maguire] is really impressive and I expect a lot from him but there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs."

With many outraged with the manager's comments on the captain, they perhaps should question why the highly talented manager is backing the English defender.

It is a hugely important season coming up for the defender, but he will be glad to know that he firmly has the backing of his manager.