Harry Maguire has revealed that uncertainty over Erik ten Hag’s future influenced Manchester United’s performance last season.
United finished ninth in the Premier League before finishing the season on a high by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
A second victory in as many years was enough to keep Ten Hag in his job, but Maguire thinks speculation that the Dutchman may be fired influenced the players throughout the season.
“It was tough,” Maguire remarked in an interview in Los Angeles at the start of United’s US trip.
“It undoubtedly harmed our performances and outcomes throughout the season, if somewhat especially when it occurred during the Christmas season, when we really fell off. But kudos to the management for how he handled the situation.”
A story in the run-up to the cup final stated Ten Hag would be fired regardless of the outcome versus City.
United bucked the odds to win 2-1, but Maguire reports a somber mood at the post-match celebration in London as talk about the manager’s status lingered.
“It was so strange,” Maguire said. “No one truly understood what was going on. No one was confident.
“If you question the players, they will most likely claim they didn’t know since no one did. It was incredibly stunning how he managed that week, with a win against perhaps the top squad in Europe at the time.”
According to sources, United interviewed many other management possibilities, including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, before settling on Ten Hag.
The club has subsequently extended his contract by a year, which Maguire feels is the appropriate option.
“He has shown we can beat the top teams and we have won two trophies in two years,” the defensive player said.
“The first season was excellent, but the final season was not. Erik also had a difficult season last year. There was so much uncertainty, and the number of injuries was insane, and I’m very optimistic that won’t happen this season.”We have trust in the management team, and the additions he has made are excellent.”
Maguire has recovered from a calf injury that kept him out of the cup final and the European Championship.
The 31-year-old described missing the Wembley extravaganza and the Euros as the “toughest moment of his career,” but after undertaking additional sessions with a United coach while on vacation in Portugal, he is ready to face Arsenal in a friendly at SoFi Stadium this Saturday.
He has been linked with a transfer away from Old Trafford this summer, but he insists he wants to remain.
“Until I get told you’re up for sale or we want you to leave I want to play for this club and make it successful again,” stated the striker.
“All the things I’m hearing and seeing from everyone involved is I’ll be part of this club for the future.”.
How many goals does Harry Maguire have for Manchester United?
Harry Maguire is 31 years old, 194cm tall, and weighs 100kg. He plays defence. He spent 5 seasons at his current team, Manchester United, where he played 225 appearances and scored 11 goals.
What has Harry Maguire won with Manchester United?
Harry Maguire trophies list
FA Cup Winner. Manchester United 2024
English League Cup winner. Manchester United 2023
Champions League participant. Manchester United 2021-2022
Euro participant. England 2021
Euro runner-up. England 2021
Europa League participant. Manchester United 2022-2023
World Cup participant. England 2022
