Erik ten Hag has backed Harry Maguire to be the leader of Manchester United’s defence in the absence of several names.
Manchester United’s defence has been decimated with injury problems in recent weeks with Raphael Varane the latest name to be ruled out. The Frenchman joins Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans on the sidelines.
Teenager Willy Kambwala started the draw with Liverpool last weekend and is expected to feature again as the Red Devils travel to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
“It’s very difficult [to keep changing the defence]. Everyone who has a little bit of knowledge about football, they know it will affect your results and performances,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference.
“The back four is always the foundation to get results – we didn’t have that.
“We still have to win, we know that, so then others have to take responsibility, but when you oversee it then you know it has a negative impact.”
Ten Hag has backed Harry Maguire to be the leader of his backline with the England international having become an important figure this season. The 31-year-old’s future appeared to be away from the club in the summer when he was removed as captain and an offer accepted from West Ham, though the centre-back has fought his way back into Ten Hag’s plans.
“You have to see it in that perspective. We were always happy with Harry Maguire, but he wants to play. He’s a great leader, he’s a very good defender, very comfortable on the ball.
“When I count all of those abilities, just now when we have problems on our defending line, he is even more important to lead that line, to make us play from the back.
“So we are very pleased he is there and we need him to get our results and achieve our targets.”
