Erik ten Hag is pleased (and relieved) that Harry Maguire stayed at Manchester United last summer after the England international emerged as a defensive pillar amid the club’s injury crisis this season.
United go into Saturday’s dinnertime clash at Bournemouth without six defenders, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tyrell Malacia all sidelined.
Maguire is expected to play alongside teenager Willy Kambwala again after Ten Hag was forced to turn to his 12th different centre-back pairing, and 28th of four, of the season against Liverpool last weekend.
The 31-year-old could have left United last summer after becoming disillusioned with his lack of first-team appearances, with United accepting a £30million offer from West Ham.
However, Ten Hag is glad Maguire stayed after United’s £80m signing from Leicester City made 27 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
Erik Ten Hag (right) has admitted his relief that Harry Maguire stayed at the club over the summer
Maguire was linked with a departure from the club but emerged as a savior in their defensive crisis.
He is set to start again in defense alongside teenager Willy Kambwala (R) against Bournemouth at the weekend.
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“We were always very happy with Harry Maguire, but he wants to play,” the United manager said. “He is a great leader, he is a very good defender and he feels very comfortable with the ball.
“When I count all those skills, in our defensive line we have problems, he is even more important to lead that line and make us play from behind. We are very happy that he is there and we need him to get our results and achieve our goals.”
On the lack of a solid back four, Ten Hag added: “It is very difficult. So everyone who has a little knowledge about football knows that it will affect their results and performances. The back four are always the basis for getting results “We still have to win, we know that. Others have to take responsibility.”