COMMENT: Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, was compelled to retract his assessment of Harry Maguire’s ideal position.

With regard to Harry Maguire’s ideal position, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been obliged to do a significant U-turn. In recent weeks, the much-maligned Maguire has shown promise as a left-sided central defender, despite his manager’s earlier comments on his suitability for the position.

Following his decline in play under the Dutchman, Maguire has been put back into the starting lineup. If the 30-year-old’s summer had gone a little differently, he could have been getting ready to play for West Ham on Thursday when they play Olympiacos in the Europa League. 

However, Maguire has had good fortune on his side, and his determination to push his way back into Ten Hag’s plans has paid off. The England star was reduced to a fourth-choice center back before the season, but he had rare appearances in the first few months due to a defensive injury crisis. 

Ten Hag’s prior evaluation of the defender is contradicted by the choice to play Maguire on the left side of a defensive pairing. The Dutchman harshly criticized his former captain’s performances on the left side back in April, insisting that Maguire could only play on the right.

In recent weeks, Maguire has played on the left side of Raphael Varane’s central defender pairing. He performed brilliantly against his old team, Sheffield United, last weekend, and again against Copenhagen on Tuesday, completing a brilliant performance with the game’s lone goal 20 minutes from time.

Following his arrival at the beginning of the previous season, Ten Hag switched Maguire, who had previously played on the left under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, to the right. 

When asked at the end of the season if Maguire would take on his previous role again, Ten Hag said, “Not this season.” Harry’s angles are bad when he plays on the left side, and it’s tough for him to defend in vast areas with his left foot. However, I believe he is more competent when he plays on the right.

Victor is an excellent player who can play with both feet. I thought he played a fantastic defensive role and made excellent defensive transitions. We would rather work with them in this manner for that reason.

Ten Hag, though, is adamant that Maguire can play on a defensive partner’s left. The United manager could have used Maguire on the right and Varane on the left, but he deviated from his previous thought process.

Ten Hag stated on Tuesday, “I have to admit that Harry is playing the way we want him to.” “Certainly, I am pleased with his performance. He was very proactive both in and out of possession, dominating his opponent, stepping in when needed, reading the game, and providing good coverage.”

Now that Maguire has demonstrated his ability to play on the left side of central defense, Ten Hag may have an additional option. The manager of United will be happy that he decided against offloading one of his most seasoned players during the summer.