Erik ten Hag says Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is fit to return in the friendly against Melbourne Victory.
United kicked off their pre-season programme with a 4-0 win over Liverpool, but Maguire played no part in the game due to a minor injury.
At his press conference ahead of the second match of the summer, Ten Hag was asked about Maguire and said he will be fit enough to play 45 minutes in Australia.
There was also a question about Donny van de Beek, whom Ten Hag of course worked extensively with at Ajax, before his move to Old Trafford, which is yet to ignite.
Ten Hag confirms Maguire return
When asked for an update on Maguire, Ten Hag said: “Yes, tomorrow he is available.
“We will see but I think he can play half a game.”
The new United boss was also asked about where Van de Beek’s best position is – as a deeper midfielder or a number ten – and said: “He can do both. I know that from the past.
“But his best position, his best capability is in the box of the opponent.
“Playing short behind the striker, he has a really good smell of being in the right position.”
It would be unwise to read too much into Tuesday’s 4-0 win but it was the best possible way to kick of Ten Hag’s first pre-season at the club.
Tomorrow’s game offers an opportunity to keep that momentum and confidence rolling, and Maguire needs the gametime to get used to his new manager’s system.
One thing which was clear from the Liverpool game is that Ten Hag wants his defenders playing high up the pitch, and the challenge for Maguire is to respond to that.
His lack of speed was highlighted last season, and Van de Beek’s lack of physicality has also been highlighted in the past, but the pair have a blank canvas now, and a new boss to impress, which they will look to do in Melbourne.
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