Harry Maguire gives five-word verdict in response to Erik ten Hag sack fears

Harry Maguire is embroiled in yet another scenario where a Manchester United manager faces the dismissal, with Erik ten Hag under mounting pressure at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire is aware of the strain and fate that Manchester United managers face, as he stated, “I know how it works”.

The centre-back came off the bench to knock in a stoppage-time level in Porto, saving a point for the Red Devils. It happened after they lost a 2-0 lead to trail 3-2 in the second half, leaving Erik ten Hag with even more doubts.

After a sluggish start to the season, the Dutchman has been under increasing pressure. He survived a summer review, but there is still a risk that the INEOS management may make an early move with United underperforming and allowing a high number of goals.

Maguire was an inspired substitute, but only when his team was on the verge of losing a game they had control of. The defender went to Manchester in the summer of 2019 and has been through various managers, so this isn’t his first hard patch.

The former Leicester City player was signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who faced several concerns about his future throughout his three-year stint. He was finally fired in 2021, with Maguire frequently serving as a scapegoat during the Norwegian’s tenure at the club.

He stated, “When you have a terrible run, both the players and the manager feel the strain. He’s had enough experience and time at this club to know how to handle it. It’s part of the luxury of playing for this club.”

Ten Hag escaped a review in the summer, with the new INEOS owners deciding to continue with the ex-Ajax manager following his FA Cup victory. However, traditional weaknesses have persisted this season, and there is discussion of a change in the dugout.

Despite Ten Hag’s insistence that his team had no defensive issues, the way in which they performed in Porto will have done little to alleviate the burden. He noted their recent run of shutouts as evidence of their abilities, but Maguire criticized their performance on Thursday night.

He remarked, “When you’re 2-0 up and then concede, does the guys’ conviction in their ability to win fade? It’s something we should concentrate on. It happens way too often. Every time you concede, you must reset and return to the game strategy that put us in the lead. It is something we must improve. If we want to be successful this season, we cannot continue to concede two goals.”