Ten Hag Explains Why He Now Starts Harry Maguire Over Raphaël Varane

The Tactical Shift: Why Harry Maguire Is Getting the Nod Over Raphaël Varane, Explained by Ten Hag

Manchester United fans have been left puzzled as Harry Maguire has taken the starting spot over Raphaël Varane in recent weeks. Manager Erik ten Hag has offered an explanation for this surprising shift in the defensive lineup, dispelling speculation about issues between him and Varane and shedding light on the tactical reasons behind the decision.

Maguire’s Resurgence: Harry Maguire’s role in the team has taken an unexpected turn over the past month, with the defender proving his worth after a period of uncertainty about his future at Old Trafford. Amidst transfer rumors and the loss of the captaincy, Maguire’s resurgence has been remarkable, taking the lead in Ten Hag’s preferred center-back lineup.

Varane’s Absence: In contrast, Raphaël Varane, widely regarded as one of United’s top defenders, has not seen action in the last four fixtures. Speculation about a breakdown in the relationship between Varane and Ten Hag has been circulating. However, the Dutch manager has addressed the real reason behind Varane’s absence.

Ten Hag’s Clarification: Erik ten Hag emphasized that there are no issues between him and Varane, stating that the decision is purely tactical. He noted, “Absolutely not; as I said, it is about tactical reasons why I chose these partnerships. I think Harry and Jonny did well.” Ten Hag highlighted Harry Maguire’s impressive performances and the internal competition for starting positions.

Compatibility in Central Defense: Ten Hag further hinted that Maguire and Varane may not be the most complementary central-defensive pairing. He explained, “There are moments in certain games where they can play together, and they have already proven they can do it.” However, he emphasized that their styles do not align perfectly, particularly in terms of building up play from the left center-back position.

Defensive Combinations: Ten Hag mentioned the importance of right-footed players, such as Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelöf, in constructing a fluid defensive formation. These players can comfortably use their left foot, enhancing the team’s overall performance. This tactical consideration has influenced the selection of defensive partnerships.

Impact of Tactical Shift: The tactical shift, with Harry Maguire taking precedence over Raphaël Varane, had an impact on the recent match against Luton Town, where Maguire and Lindelöf formed the defensive duo. Their partnership played a role in the team’s 1-0 victory and a much-needed clean sheet.

Harry Maguire vs. Luton Town: In the match against Luton Town, Harry Maguire showcased an impressive performance with 97 touches, completing 78 out of 86 passes. Notably, he made 18 passes into the final third and successfully executed 9 out of 13 long passes. Defensively, Maguire contributed with 3 blocks and made 9 recoveries.

Ten Hag on the Quickest United Manager Milestone: Reflecting on becoming the quickest United manager to reach 30 Premier League wins, Ten Hag expressed modesty, stating, “Not bad, but I can’t celebrate that. We have other concerns; we have to perform better.” Despite the milestone, his focus remains on further improvement and addressing the team’s overall performance.

Manchester United’s In-Form Streak: Currently, Manchester United stands out as the most in-form team in the Premier League. Over the last five games, they have accumulated more points than any other team, solidifying their position as a formidable force in the league.

Erik ten Hag’s explanation offers insight into the tactical considerations that have led to Harry Maguire’s prominence in the team, dispelling rumors of discord with Raphaël Varane.

The emphasis on compatibility and fluidity in defensive combinations reflects the strategic approach taken by the manager.

As Manchester United continues its journey in the Premier League, the evolution of the defensive lineup under Ten Hag’s guidance will be closely watched by fans and football enthusiasts.