Harry Maguire delivers his verdict on Manchester United’s recent progress under Erik ten Hag
Maguire #Maguire
Captain Harry Maguire has admitted that he believes Manchester United are heading back towards where they want to be in the Premier League following a recent run of good results.
United, who head into this afternoon’s clash with West Ham United at Old Trafford knowing that win will lift them to within a point of the top-four, have enjoyed a solid run during October, aside from their 6-3 derby day defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium at the start of the month. Erik ten Hag’s side have won five out of their eight matches this month, including an impressive 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
After a stuttering start to the campaign, which, of course, featured the humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brentford in August, United have transformed their fortunes, so much so that they look like a side capable of securing a top-four finish. And for Maguire, who made his long-awaited return from injury for the second half of Thursday night’s Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol, the Reds are moving in the right direction.
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“It’s great to be back,” Maguire told United’s club website. “Being injured is always a tough part of being a footballer, but I’ve been kicking every ball on the sidelines, cheering every goal that’s gone in and supporting the lads.
“We’ve picked up some good results and we’re pushing [to] where we want to be in the Premier League as well. We’ve got important games coming up and that’s what it’s all about.”
Maguire, who will have aspirations of helping England taste success at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, had missed United’s last seven matches with a hamstring problem ahead of making his return in midweek. Although he has admitted it was tough taking up a watching brief, his support for his teammates never wavered.
He added: “It’s tough [being injured]. I support the lads whether I’m playing, whether I’m watching at home or whether I’m in the stands. I kick every ball and I cheer every goal.
“As a footballer you want to play games and you want to be available to help the team, so it’s nice to be back on the training pitch, it’s nice to get some minutes tonight and that’s what it’s all about. It’s about helping the team move forward.”
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