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Erik ten Hag previews Everton clash
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has risked the harmony of the club’s dressing room after his latest decision. It’s emerged players aren’t happy with the call to let Harry Maguire jet out to Portugal earlier in the week, with the England international spending some time there as he battles to return from injury. And with the Red Devils squad and their new manager still getting to know each other, it certainly represents a gamble from the Dutchman…
Manchester United have seen Maguire miss their recent matches against Manchester City and Omonia, having sustained an injury over the international break.
In midweek, the 29-year-old was missing for the Red Devils’ 3-2 win in Cyprus - with it later emerging he’d been given special permission to fly off.
According to The Sun, however, United players aren’t happy at Ten Hag for breaking one of his biggest rules.
The Dutchman has long made it clear to squad members that they’re in it together, and that they must support each other even when not available for selection.
And, according to a source, United players feel the Dutchman has got it wrong by allowing club captain Maguire to miss the recent win over Omonia.
“Erik has high standards for everyone to abide by. He expects all injured players to remain with the group," the source said.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is preparing for Everton match (Image: GETTY)
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And that, certainly, is the last thing the Dutchman needs.
Maguire is a divisive figure at United, commanding the respect of most of his team-mates despite his alarming dip in form over the past 12 months.
But not everybody is happy with him being captain, especially with Bruno Fernandes shining with the armband instead.
Now, Ten Hag has undermined his own authority. If another United player wants to do the same as Maguire, they’ll use this incident as a reference point.
The Dutchman has been adamant that discipline is needed at Old Trafford.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has gambled with Harry Maguire treatment ahead of Everton clash (Image: GETTY)
But with United still way too inconsistent on the pitch, Ten Hag has now gambled on the respect of his players at the club.
If United lose to Everton on Sunday, it’ll feel like they’re back to square one.
Though they’ve won six of their last eight matches across all competitions, the 6-3 loss to Manchester City last weekend was a stark reality check.
And losing a fifth game this season, at this stage, would suggest they’ve got their work cut out when it comes to qualifying for the Champions League.
Meanwhile, speaking recently, Ten Hag insisted he was backing Maguire to come good - insisting he’s got what it takes to turn his Old Trafford career around.