Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has hailed Harry Maguire for his progress as he attempts to stage an Old Trafford renaissance.
Still the most expensive defender in world football, the former Leicester centre-back has endured a difficult campaign under the Dutch coach. The 30-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Red Devils this term - just 12 of those being starts.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been preferred at the heart of defence by Ten Hag for the majority of the season. Maguire, though, has forced himself back into contention over recent weeks by leading United into the Europa League quarter-finals with a convincing aggregate victory against Real Betis.
He was also handed a start in the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham in the absence of Varane. Ten Hag was hugely complimentary of his captain ahead of the game and praised Maguire for his development.
Asked if he was happy with the defender’s performances, he said: "Definitely. I'm really happy with the progress that Harry is making in this moment. He's more dominant and dictating, he's taking more initiative on the training pitch and I think also in the Real Betis game, he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of initiative and dictating of the game."
Despite Ten Hag’s praise, Maguire has already received a strong warning over his England place should his standing at the Red Devils not improve. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate suggested that the defender’s lack of football could impact his international chances.
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Speaking after naming his squad for the March international break, he said: “We are where we were ahead of the World Cup - and it’s not a perfect scenario. Harry has got two World Cup winners currently ahead of him in the (United) team and that’s the benchmark. He dealt with it brilliantly in Qatar. His performances were exceptional.
“He had a lot of pressure going into those games because the spotlight was on him, but he was without doubt one of our best players in the tournament.”
Maguire has been linked with making a move away from Old Trafford this summer in an effort to earn more regular football. West Ham were rumoured to be considering a move for the 30-year-old, although they appear hugely unlikely to make a second attempt to sign him should they drop into the Championship.
Maguire has recently admitted that he understands his role at Old Trafford but has a desire to start more games. Speaking after the victory over Betis, he said: "Obviously, I want to play more. I want to start more games but I’m playing my part on and off the field and it’s nice to get out there, leading the team and getting the victory which is the most important thing for myself and the club.
"I have an important role on and off the field for this club and every day I try and make this club succeed whether I’m playing or not playing. That’s my main focus at the moment."
