24 October 2023 , 21:20
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Manchester United were willing to sell both Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay this summer but both players have forced themselves into Erik ten Hag’s plans.
Maguire has started in each of United’s last three matches – scoring the winning goal in Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Copenhagen – while McTominay has scored three goals in that timeframe, starting in each of the last two games.
Maguire playing in his preferred left-sided slot in the centre of defence is also significant. The United manager ruled out Maguire playing in the position again only six months ago, but the 30-year-old started in the position against Copenhagen and put in an assured performance. Not only did the defender find the net but he put in a solid display and even joined in attacks in open play.
Speaking after April’s win at Nottingham Forest last campaign, Ten Hag rejected the suggestion that Maguire would be played in his preferred left-sided central defensive role again: "Not this season," the United boss explained after a tough outing for the defender.
"The angles are not good for Harry if he is playing on the left side, it’s difficult for him also defending in wide areas on his left foot but I think he is more capable on the right. Victor is very good, he can use both feet and I think he also did a brilliant job in the rest of defence and the defensive transitions. That’s why we prefer to do it with them in this way."
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Maguire is not alone in forcing his way back into Ten Hag’s plans. United accepted a bid from West Ham for the defender this summer while there was also interest from the Hammers in signing McTominay, who was not selected for United in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Have Your Say! Do Maguire and McTominay have long-term futures at Man United ? Tell us what you think here.
Maguire headed United's winning goal vs Copenhagen (PA)Gary Neville told Sky Sports back in August when assessing United’s midfield options: “What is clear is that Ten Hag doesn't want to revert back to Scott McTominay.” The former defender added: “Does he go back to McTominay? Ten Hag has made five substitutions and not used him. It's almost as if he is managing him out of the club."
Ten Hag has shown with both Maguire and McTominay that he does not rule out reintegrating players back into the fold. Both have fought to rekindle their Old Trafford careers and both will have a role to play in any success this campaign.