Though Harry Maguire is Manchester United's best centre back on the ball, his defensive form this season has left many fans worried that he will not survive under Erik ten Hag. However, like many players at the club, Maguire's form at international level has been a lot better.
Despite his issues at United, the defender is still a guaranteed starter for England, and Gareth Southgate sees Maguire as a key member of his squad, even though he did concede that competition for places could eventually see him lose his spot. “He got us to a World Cup semi‑final and the European Championship final so there’s no doubt he’s more than capable of playing at the highest level," Southgate said.
“He was very good for us in the autumn and the club are in a difficult moment. There could be any number of reasons for that. But that doesn’t mean that players can be poor for a couple of years and then still find their way in and sometimes it depends on competition for positions."
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Many United fans have tried to figure out why Maguire plays so much better for country than he does for club. Some have commented that England have a clearly defined system and style of play which makes all of their players look better - not just Maguire - while others have simply said it's because he plays in a back three for his country, even if England's formations do vary.
But the good news for those in either camp is that Ten Hag will implement aspects of both. The Dutchman's system has been discussed in detail by United fans as well as how he puts emphasis on possession, building from the back and also his defenders breaking the opposition lines.
These are all things that an in-form Maguire thrives at. However, another key aspect of the tactics that Ten Hag has employed at Ajax is how he uses his fullbacks.
While one goes forward and helps the team attack, the other stays back and drops in, acting as a third centre-back in possession. This creates a pseudo-back three and would hopefully simulate the conditions alongside a better emphasis on defending as a unit to help Maguire thrive.
Overall a number of players will benefit from the appointment of Ten Hag but Maguire might be the player who has the most ground to make back up after his stock fell dramatically this season.
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