Harry Maguire could have an important role in upcoming matches with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane now battling injuries.
The centre-back came on at half-time with Varane injured, and until the last few minutes, it was all going well.
Manchester United had led 2-0 but ultimately surrendered that lead with two own goals.
Harry Maguire scored the second when a shot rebounded off his head and past David de Gea.
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Ten Hag praises Maguire
Harry Maguire’s own goal did not dissuade Ten Hag from his belief that the centre-back played well.
Speaking at his press conference after the game, Ten Hag said that he was impressed by the England international.
He said: “We have seen on Saturday, Harry Maguire had a good game. And tonight he came in and I think he played also a very good game.”
Maguire’s numbers don’t really back up Ten Hag’s comments. He failed to win a tackle or an aerial duel, and just one of six long balls attempted found a teammate.
It is in the manager’s interests to talk Maguire up though. He is going to need him over the next week certainly.
Victor Lindelof and a returning Luke Shaw are United’s other centre-back options. Maguire is suspended for the FA Cup semi-final however.
If Martinez misses the rest of the season, as is feared, Maguire will really be depended on. This is an opportunity for him to prove his worth.
How he fares could go a long way to determining his future as a Manchester United player.
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