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Harry Maguire reveals Man Utd dressing room’s reaction to Erik ten Hag sack fears

Harry Maguire has shed light on how speculation about Erik ten Hag’s future affected Manchester United last season. According to Maguire, the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s position had a detrimental impact on the team’s performance, leading to their disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, their worst-ever in the league’s history.

The speculation came despite Ten Hag’s success in guiding United to an FA Cup victory over their local rivals, Manchester City. However, even this triumph couldn’t dispel the doubts about Ten Hag’s future, which lingered for two-and-a-half weeks over the summer before he was ultimately confirmed to continue in his role.

Maguire described the period as particularly challenging for the players and staff. He mentioned how strange it was to celebrate their FA Cup win at Wembley without knowing if Ten Hag would remain with the club. This uncertainty was unsettling, not just for the players, but for everyone involved with the club. Maguire believes that the speculation around Ten Hag’s future had a direct impact on the team’s form and results, especially around the Christmas period when their performance notably declined.

Reflecting on the atmosphere at United’s FA Cup celebration, Maguire recalled the surreal feeling among the team. No one knew what the future held, and there were no assurances about Ten Hag’s position. This uncertainty extended to the players as well, who were also unsure about their futures with the club amid various transfer speculations.

Despite the turmoil, Maguire praised Ten Hag for maintaining his composure and professionalism. He noted that the manager did not show any signs of distress, even though the situation was difficult. Maguire admired Ten Hag’s ability to lead the team to a significant victory against one of the best teams in Europe at the time, demonstrating his dedication and resilience.

In the aftermath of this uncertain period, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United’s top management have since extended Ten Hag’s contract, providing some much-needed stability for the club. This move has been welcomed by many, including Maguire, who views it as a positive step towards rebuilding the team’s confidence and performance.

Maguire also opened up about his own experiences during this turbulent time. He discussed how he handled losing the captaincy and his journey to reestablish himself as a reliable centre-back for the team. Despite not playing as much as he would have liked under Ten Hag, he remained determined to prove his worth. Maguire revealed that he had conversations with Ten Hag about his situation, where the manager expressed his belief in him and assured him that opportunities would come.

Maguire’s determination paid off as he delivered strong performances whenever he was called upon, even though his season was interrupted by injuries. He expressed frustration over the injuries that prevented him from playing more games, but he remained proud of his contributions to the team. Maguire’s resilience and commitment were evident as he navigated through these challenges, showcasing his strength of character.

Looking ahead, Maguire is focused on staying with Manchester United and contributing to the team’s success. Despite having only one year left on his contract, with an option for an additional year, he is committed to the club unless told otherwise. Maguire emphasized his desire to be part of the club’s future and help bring success back to United. He remains optimistic and ready to seize any opportunities that come his way, confident in his abilities and the support of the club’s management.

In conclusion, the period of uncertainty regarding Erik ten Hag’s future had a significant impact on Manchester United last season. The speculation affected not only the players’ performance but also the overall atmosphere within the club. Despite these challenges, both Ten Hag and Maguire showed resilience and professionalism, with the club ultimately taking steps to provide stability and move forward positively.