Ten Hag changes his tune on Maguire after reaction to Man Utd captaincy snub

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is believed to have been impressed by Harry Maguire's reaction to losing the Red Devils captaincy.

The much-maligned centre-back started the season on the fringes of the United starting line-up, but injuries to both Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane meant Maguire was granted a chance to impress his boss. He has done exactly that in emphatic fashion, but many have speculated on how and what is different this term to last.

Over the course of last season, Maguire made just eight league starts. It was clear for all to see that he was no longer in the top two of the centre-back pecking order. When he was stripped of the club captaincy in the summer, the England ace looked destined for the Old Trafford exit.

However, Maguire has overseen quite the turnaround and is currently keeping Varane out of the team. Just what the transformation can be put down to isn't entirely clear, though Ten Hag's comments in the aftermath of last month's win over Sheffield United were particularly telling, suggesting the centre-back has a greater understanding of what is being asked of him.

"I have to say Harry is playing like we want him to play," he said. "Very proactive out of possession, dominating his opponent, stepping in when necessary, reading the game, good covering but also in possession very proactive, stepping in, delivering good passes, switching. I am happy with his performance."

Maguire's attitude since being stripped of the armband has also seen his stock rise in the eyes of Ten Hag. It was widely believed that Bruno Fernandes taking on the role of skipper would only damage the defender's United legacy further.

In contrast, the Three Lions regular has continued to take on a senior role within the squad and been one of many United players to encourage Jadon Sancho to end his feud with Ten Hag.

In what has been a drastically underwhelming start to the season, Maguire has been one of United's few positives. Ten Hag's side have lost five of their opening 12 league games, including defeats against 'big six' rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.

The centre-back feels his recent run of form has justified his decision to remain at Old Trafford over the summer. Maguire claimed: "I had two or three opportunities last season to get a run of games but I broke down with illness, I broke down with injuries twice, so I never got the rhythm and never got the run of games that I could prove myself to the manager.

"I have got that now, I am really enjoying my football and I really enjoy playing for this club. I was willing to stay and fight for my place and we have four, five top international centre-backs at this club and the competition for places is really high."