"Bit of a masterstroke" - Sky journalist praises Erik ten Hag after risky Man United decision

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has praised Man United boss Erik ten Hag for one of his first major decisions after taking charge of the club.

The Dutchman was announced as the club's new manager in April, replacing Ralf Rangnick.

He began working for United after Ajax's final game of last season on May 15, and attended the final Premier League game of the Red Devils' campaign against Crystal Palace.

Ten Hag then presided over pre-season tours to Australia and Thailand. He was required to make several critical decisions - especially the implementation of several new rules.

These rules, as per the Daily Mirror, include a ban on alcohol, dropping players for being late for team meetings, and more.

But another big call Ten Hag had to make was based on who would be his captain for the 2022/23 season. He decided to stick with the current skipper.

He explained: "Harry Maguire is the captain. Of course, I have to get to know all the players, but he is the established captain, and he has achieved a lot of success."

That decision has received praise from Sheth, who has also explained why Ten Hag's later call relating to the Red Devils skipper was the correct one.

Sheth praises Ten Hag over Maguire call

The Sky journalist initially discussed the current situation involving Cristiano Ronaldo with GiveMeSport, before moving on to Maguire: "Then you've got the other situation where's he made Harry Maguire the captain.

"And I think that this was a bit of a masterstroke, actually, because he made him captain and then dropped him.

"So, it was almost like saying to everyone, 'Nobody is guaranteed a place in this team, even the captain'."

Maguire started United's first two Premier League games of the season - the 2-1 defeat to Brighton and 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

He was then dropped to the bench, and has not started a league game since. However, he has been out of action since early October due to injury.

Maguire has returned to training this week, and could soon be back in contention once again. With Raphael Varane out of action for the upcoming matches, the England international may replace him in the starting XI - and boost his World Cup hopes in the process.