Harry Maguire might just have a secret weapon up his sleeve as he looks to assert himself in the Manchester United squad.
The England defender came under heavy criticism last season after a miserable campaign which saw the Red Devils finish sixth in the Premier League. Many fans blamed Maguire after a number of high-profile mistakes that led to some embarrassing moments.
And the impending arrival of Lisandro Martinez has raised more question marks over Maguire's future at the club with Raphael Varane likely tipped to join the Argentine in the backline, unless Erik ten Hag changes formation. Nevertheless, Maguire might already have an ace up his sleeve ready to prove his doubters after one stat emerged.
According to Twitter account StatmanDave, the England international has completed more passes into the final third than any other Premier League centre-back since his arrival at United.
Maguire has made 687 passes, more than Aymeric Laporte (667), Antonio Rudiger (638) and Virgil van Dijk (439). That is crucial when it comes to Ten Hag's style of play where he relies heavily on the defenders to progress the play up the pitch as quickly and decisively as possible.
It means that the ex-Leicester star might just prove to be a vital piece in Ten Hag's system - further evidence why the Dutchman decided to allow Maguire to keep the captain's armband.
There was outcry when the decision was made public but it might end up being a masterstroke.
When asked whether the 29-year-old is first-choice, Ten Hag said: “I think he is. He’s proved it in the past but he also has to prove it in the present time and in the future. He has played 46 times for England. Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him.
“But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs. You cannot win with 11 players. We need a squad, especially this season with so many games.
"We have the Europa League, the Premier League and the World Cup so we need a full squad with high-quality players, not quantity.
"I will support him everywhere I can. In the end, he has to do it by himself, and he has the qualities to do it. He has shown it so often in the past.
“I always see the captaincy as an issue that I dictate. The team building for me is an important point and I always talk about a group of leaders. The captain is a really important one and I’m happy with him.”
