Why Man United man who was out in the cold under Ten Hag deserves chance after superb midweek performance

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One player looked to have been given a new lease of life during Manchester United’s win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

There was confidence and security from the much-changed Manchester United team. The praise will inevitably go to Sofyan Amrabat, who was superb during his first start for the club, but one man may well deserve even more credit.

Harry Maguire and Erik ten Hag have not gone on the best since the Dutchman made the move to Manchester last summer following his incredibly successful spell in Amsterdam.

The former Leicester City defender started the first two games of last season, both being defeats, but was quickly usurped in the starting 11 by Raphael Varane.

The defender seemingly didn’t have a future at the club but looked superb midweek.

Maguire’s impact

The defender started on the left as opposed to the right centre-back role and the Englishman looked much more assured and confident on that side.

Maguire had a 93 per cent passing accuracy and, crucially, was superb in the air winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels which is something United have lacked when Victor Lindelof has lined up alongside Lisandro Martinez.

Varane lined up alongside the former United captain and looked very solid at the heart of the defence.

A subtle change with Maguire has been the Englishman playing on the left. Maguire has better passing angles from this position and just looks more comfortable on the ball.

The defender has certainly had to wait patiently for his opportunity in the United first team this season but now may well be his time to prove himself.

With Martinez struggling with a foot injury, the door is open for Maguire to make that centre-back role his own, and, based on Tuesday’s performance in the Carabao Cup, he certainly deserves it.

Amrabat boost

The inclusion of the defender could well lead to Victor Lindelof moving to left-back or Sergio Reguilon if the Spaniard is indeed fit.

As well as this, it would Sofyan Amrabat may well finally be able to play in midfield after his two previous appearances for the club were at full-back.

With the physical prowess that Roy Hodgson’s side have in abundance, Maguire surely needs to be given his chance in the Premier League.

Maguire’s dominance in the air could be crucial. Lindelof’s struggles in the air surely means Maguire deserves a chance to prove Ten Hag wrong.