Harry Maguire: United Must Step Up Amid Ten Hag Pressure

Harry Maguire acknowledges the challenges the team faces as manager Erik ten Hag comes under increasing scrutiny. Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League with just two wins, three defeats and one draw from six matches, Maguire emphasizes the need for the players to take responsibility and improve their performance. As United prepares for an away match against Aston Villa, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has indicated that the decision regarding Ten Hag’s future is beyond his control.

Reflecting on his six seasons at the club, Maguire admits that difficult moments come with the territory and that external pressures often build up during challenging times. He highlights the team’s potential to compete with anyone when they perform well but stresses the importance of consistency. United enters the match following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Tottenham and a dramatic 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League where Maguire scored a late equalizer.

Under Ten Hag, the team has allowed three or more goals in 24 matches and Maguire recognizes that this level of performance is unacceptable. “We have to do more,” he stated, emphasizing that it’s easy for players to blame others. He urges each player to take personal responsibility and improve. Despite the struggles, Maguire believes the team is playing better than last season when they finished eighth in the Premier League with a -1 goal difference.

This season, they have a -3 goal difference with five goals scored and eight conceded. Harry Maguire insists they need to find confidence and learn from their past successes, particularly their 2-1 victory at Villa Park in February. He looks forward to the challenge ahead and hopes to turn their season around starting with Sunday’s match.