Erik ten Hag hails Harry Maguire’s Man of the Match performance in Man Utd’s win over Sheffield United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised defender Harry Maguire for his Man of the Match performance in the Red Devils’ 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Saturday night.
Maguire registered 104 touches, completed 76 of 93 passes and produced 13 successful long passes – the most in the top-flight on Saturday. The England international centre-back also won six of 11 duels and made three key clearances.
Ten Hag was full of praise for Maguire when asked about his performance after the match. ‘I think [his Player of the Match award] was deserved,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘He played a very good game. He played very good football and read the game very well. I’m happy with his performance and happy with the win.’
Speaking more generally about United’s victory, Ten Hag told the BBC: ‘Every game is tough in the Premier League. Always after international breaks when players play different styles and systems with their nations and then when you get back you have to get back to your routine.
‘You saw in the first half it was not our best game, it was far from fluid. We got a goal but we have to be more composed and more mature to stay in the game at 1-0 up and now give up the goal so quickly. At half time I said, ‘Find a way to win’ – and I think we were much better in the second half.’
Ten Hag went on to praise midfielder Scott McTominay for his match-winning goal, saying: ‘Scott McTominay is a very good fighter. He arrived there at the right moment and it was a good goal.’
The win was a much-needed boost for Manchester United, who had endured a difficult start to the season. It was also a fitting tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away earlier this week.
The result sees United move up to fourth in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Manchester City. With Maguire in such fine form, United will be hoping to continue their good run of form and challenge for the title this season.