Harry Maguire reveals Man Utd squad's stance on Erik ten Hag future

  • Harry Maguire's late equaliser salvaged point for Man Utd against Porto on Thursday
  • Red Devils wasted 2-0 lead and had Bruno Fernandes sent off again
  • Erik ten Hag remains under pressure ahead of huge trip to Aston Villa
Maguire rescued a point for United against Porto
Maguire rescued a point for United against Porto / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
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Harry Maguire says the Manchester United squad still back manager Erik ten Hag to turn things around after their 3-3 Europa League draw with Porto.

The Red Devils looked to be on course for a morale-boosting victory away from home after charging into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. However, they were pegged back to 2-2 at half-time and then went behind when Samu Omorodion bagged his second.

Bruno Fernandes seemed to have compounded matters by getting sent off for the second time in the space of a week but Maguire was on hand in the 91st minute to equalise and earn United their second point in the league phase of the Europa League.

Asked after the draw if his teammates still believe in Ten Hag, Maguire said: "Yeah, definitely. To be honest, I've played for this club for six years so I know how it works.

"When you go through a bad spell, players come under pressure but also the manager does.

"He's experienced enough, he's been in the game long enough, he's been at this club long enough that I'm sure he's learned how to deal with it.

"It's part and parcel of playing for this club or managing this club. It's part of the privilege that you have.


Harry Maguire
Maguire struck a crucial equaliser / Octavio Passos/GettyImages

"After every game you analyse and you speak amongst yourselves. The manager spoke, a few members of staff spoke and the players spoke as well.

"It's pretty normal. I've been in many dressing rooms after the game where everyone has a chat and it speaks about what we can do better."

Ten Hag came under intense pressure in the aftermath of United's sorry 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last week, with reports suggesting he needed positive results against Porto and Aston Villa this weekend to remain in his post.

The squad's senior players are said to back the Dutchman and he has been bold in the face of criticism of late, insisting United can add to their Carabao Cup and FA Cup wins under him with another trophy this season.


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