Manchester United captain Harry Maguire revealed the secret behind Erik ten Hag’s success at Old Trafford.
On Sunday United ended their longest trophy drought in 40 years by beating Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup.
Casemiro and Marcus Rashford each netted first-half goals to help the Old Trafford club to their first Silverware since 2017, when Jose Mourinho led United to Europa League glory.
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And United could win plenty more trophies this season, with the club still battling in the Europa League and FA Cup, and sitting third in the Premier League.
Maguire reveals secret to Ten Hag’s success
Maguire claimed that Ten Hag was adept at making the players not regularly featuring feel included.
The England international only came on in the 88th minute at Wembley, to help Ten Hag’s side see out the game.
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Moreover he has had to make do with a bit part role this term, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez the preferred centre-back pairing.
In turn, Maguire has played 906 minutes in his 20 appearances this season, including just five starts in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old told the Mirror: “The lads who aren’t playing, myself included, are working hard and pushing those who are playing to perform well and they are.
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“That is what a big club’s about. What is being built here is why we are in all four competitions.”
The centre-back added that he still had the backing of his manager despite his limited game time.
As reported earlier, Maguire said: “The manager speaks to me daily, he really respects me and believes that I'm a top centre-half with all the attributes to play in his team.
“But also he understands that the players who are playing – and I understand that the players who are playing – are playing very well.
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“I'm the club captain and I have a big responsibility on and off the pitch so it was nice to get on and help the lads. The manager has been asked numerous times about my role in interviews and he tells me honestly that he believes in me, but this is football.”
Topics: Football, Harry Maguire, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Carabao Cup, Manchester United