Manchester United’s struggling form can’t be solely blamed on manager Erik ten Hag, says defender Harry Maguire. The players must take ownership of their recent poor performances. With only three wins from nine games, the pressure is mounting on Ten Hag ahead of their trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.
The team’s disappointing start to the season was further marred by a 3-3 draw with FC Porto in the Europa League, where they squandered a two-goal lead. However, Maguire believes the focus should shift from the manager to the players themselves.
“As players, it’s easy to point fingers at others, whether it’s teammates, staff, or tactics,” Maguire emphasized. “But we’re the ones on the pitch, responsible for defending and executing. We must take responsibility.”
Sources close to the club suggest that Ten Hag’s job security hangs in the balance, with a loss at Villa Park on Sunday potentially sealing his fate. Maguire, who has lost his starting spot under Ten Hag, remains optimistic that a win against Villa could be the catalyst for a turnaround in their season.
“We need to draw inspiration from our past successes, like our win at Villa Park last season,” Maguire said. “We’re capable of better performances, and it’s time we started delivering. The results haven’t been there, but we have the talent and ability to improve.”
Maguire has had a tumultuous week, scoring a late equalizer against Porto despite being left out of the latest England squad. He expressed surprise at the decision but remains confident in his future with the national team.
“I’ve been assured I’m part of the future plans,” Maguire revealed. “The interim coach wants to see other players in action, but I understand his perspective. I’ll make sure to perform when given the opportunity and prove myself worthy of selection.”
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