Harry Maguire: Manchester United captain says Eric ten Hag brings 'energy' and 'positive vibes' into new season | Football News

Harry Maguire says Eric ten Hag has brought “energy” and a “positive vibe” to Manchester United, claiming he has gained “great confidence” in keeping the captaincy.

Ten Hag has enjoyed an impressive start in his new job since replacing interim coach Ralf Rangnick at the end of last season, with United beating Liverpool 4-0 during pre-season. , an outstanding result in its short reign so far.

The Dutchman is gearing up for Sunday’s first official test against Brighton in the Premier League. sky sports – And Maguire believes United are in good shape to make a serious start.

“It’s been really good, it’s clear we’ve made a fresh start after last season,” said the United captain. Sky Sports News’ Vicky Gomersall Joins Super Sunday Matchday.

“Ten Hag brings a lot of energy and positive vibes and the young people have taken it very well so far.

“It was pre-season, but I’m fit and ready, and I’m looking forward to the season.”

“Needs significant improvement in 2022/23”

Ten Hag’s meticulous work in overseeing the extensive rebuilding of Old Trafford has been evident in his previous days at United.

It was clear this summer that the ten hags had instilled in their players the tenets of sharper reactions, sure transitions, confidence on the ball and off-ball cohesion.

Maguire, 52, will demand a significant improvement from last season, when United were their lowest-scoring side in the Premier League era.And Maguire insists the fans deserve better.

“This club is all about winning trophies. We have to see a big improvement from where we were last season,” said Maguire.

“Last year was unacceptable for this club, we were eliminated early and failed to give the fans anything they could have hoped for.

“We have to make sure we’re playing in these competitions for the majority of the season, and we’re still playing in these major competitions and major games in March.

“Last season, the last couple of months, we played Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, but this club is not used to that and it shouldn’t be.

“We have been away from all the cups and have not performed well in the league.

“We can always find excuses in our daily lives. We have to look to ourselves. I didn’t perform well enough.”

‘Manchester United captain is a great honor’

United’s disappointing 2021/22 season saw Maguire’s performances criticized more than anyone else, with some even suggesting he should be stripped of his captaincy.

Maguire has been booed by United and England fans in recent months, with Cristiano Ronaldo receiving more harassment on Twitter than him, according to a new study by the Alan Turing Institute in partnership with Ofcom. He is the only Premier League player.

However, Ten Hag did not allow outside noise to affect his judgment, showing support for Maguire and making sure he kept his armband.

“Three coaches who have captained the club have given me a lot of confidence and trust in what he sees in me at the club and in the locker room,” Maguire said.

“It’s a huge honor to be captain of this club. I know how much media speculation it creates and I’m used to it now. I accept what it entails. It’s big enough, and I’m looking forward to leading the team again this season.

Asked if he ever thought he didn’t want the captaincy anymore, he said: Feeling.

“I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs in my career. I’m now in the stage of being an experienced player – 29 years old.

“I’ve played a lot of games in my country and in the Premier League, and I feel I can accept the criticism and media speculation that comes with it.

“Everyone likes to be talked about in a positive way and everyone at this club has had a past, so I know how it feels, but I know how it feels to be criticized and how you have to react.

“In my first two years at the club we were on a good path and improving as a team. should be done.” “

Maguire: Good to have Martinez | No problem switching right

Maguire has retained his captaincy but has had to adapt to a few position changes with the arrival of new signing Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentinian, who joined from Ajax last month on a deal worth up to £57million, plays mainly as a left-sided centre-back, but Maguire insists a move to the right is out of the question.

“It’s great to have him in,” he said. “I’ve played left wing and right wing throughout my career. I’ve played right wing since I was young, but towards the end of the season at Leicester I moved to left wing. I don’t particularly like it.”

“I know a lot of people do, but I’ve played for England many times. As long as I can help and get involved with the team, that’s what I’m looking for.

“It’s great to have him in this building. I think the more players, the better. Bring as many players as possible to fight for the major trophies.”

“That’s what I want from this club. I want to be successful and win trophies. The more competition there is, the better quality players will make that possible.”

“Ronaldo is a great character”

Maguire was also asked about the influence of United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo has told the club he wants to leave to play Champions League football, appearing in just 45 minutes of United’s pre-season in last weekend’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano.

When asked what Ronaldo brought to the team since the five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to Old Trafford, Maguire said: “Goals. Cristiano is a great player and a character to have around.

“I know what it’s like to have a lot of speculation flying around him, but he’s a big part of it. Everything he does is subject to some degree of scrutiny.

“That’s what you get when you play for the size of this club. On the other hand, when things are going well you get a lot of accolades. That’s football.”

Ten Hag: Similarities between Man United and Ajax

Prior to his first competitive game in charge, Ten Hag sky sports and talked about his management journey.

The Dutchman, who has enjoyed great success with Ajax, winning six trophies including three Eredivisie titles, is determined to make United competitive again.

“It’s next level, but I think there are a lot of similarities,” said Ten Hag. We know what Manchester United stands for and that’s the trophy.

“I’m obviously not there at the moment, but I have to go back there.

“With hard work and unity, we can make it happen. We have to do it together. It starts with the belief that we can do it.”

Manchester United match: Ten Hag makes his debut against Brighton for Sky

Eric ten Hag’s first Premier League game as Manchester United manager will be against Brighton at Old Trafford. sky sportsSuper Sunday to open the 2022/23 season.

Stay alive after facing Graham Potter’s Seagulls on Sunday, August 7 sky sports, United travel to Brentford for their second round fixture, where they face rivals Liverpool in an early-season blockbuster on the weekend of 20 August.

United will play the first Manchester derby of the season at the Etihad Stadium on 1 October, with Ten Hag’s side traveling to Everton and Chelsea to face Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham.

The final game of the Winter World Cup before the season is suspended is Fulham on the weekend of 12-13 November. United will then return to action on his boxing day at Fulham. 2023 begins with a home match against promoted Bournemouth. Premier League champions Manchester City will return to Old Trafford on 14 January and Anfield on 4 March, while United will close out the season at home to Fulham on 28 May.

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