The relationship between Ten Hag and Maguire has not always been perfect, as the 30-year-old had his captaincy stripped and handed to Fernandes after falling so far down the pecking order that Luke Shaw was preferred at centre-back.
But now they appear closer than ever after Maguire was singled out in the dressing room as one of Ten Hag’s fighters while also being praised in the media. “I have to say Harry is playing like we want him to play,” Ten Hag said after victory over Sheffield United in October.
“Very proactive out of possession, dominating his opponent, stepping in when necessary, reading the game, good covering but also in possession very proactive, stepping in, delivering good passes, switching, yes, I am happy with his performance.”
