How improved Harry Maguire is gradually winning back his place at Manchester United

Harry Maguire is expected to be one of the first names on Manchester United's team sheet against Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 24.

The England defender was once completely out of favor, but he has worked his way back and is now reaping the reward for his improved form. Having endured a campaign to forget last season, Manchester United were open to selling him in the summer. His continuous horror shows even saw the fans turn against him at some point.

However, Harry Maguire has since turned a corner. Once booed and jeered at every ground, he’s gradually winning back his place at Manchester United through hard work on the pitch.

The 30-year-old has been the Reds’ best defender in recent weeks. His Man of the Match performance in United's 2-1 win against Sheffield United on October 21 couldn’t have come at a better time.

Harry Maguire has massively improved

Admittedly, Maguire wouldn’t be playing if not for Manchester United’s injury crisis. Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for a long period, while Raphael Varane has been battling niggling injuries.

The absence of the first-choice duo has coincided with the injury of Luke Shaw, who often deputized as left centre-back last season. This has opened the doors for Ten Hag to hand Maguire a chance.

It’s fair to say the former Leicester City defender has grabbed his opportunities with both hands. He played well and provided the match-winning assist as the Reds beat Brentford. He also produced a flawless performance for England during the October international break.

In an era where some footballers moan to the press when they’re not playing much, Maguire acted professionally throughout his troubled period at Manchester United.

Now, though, he’s reaping the benefits, having started in back-to-back matches for the Reds for the first time this season. He is primed to start a third straight game against Copenhagen.

Maguire regaining Ten Hag’s trust

Erik ten Hag has always maintained that he would not hand opportunities to players on a silver platter. In his words, every player has to “earn it through hard work.”

Maguire’s renaissance toes the same line. In the absence of Martinez and Varane, he has fast become the club’s most dependable defender, and the statistics back the claim.

Manchester United have won 15 out of the last 16 games that Maguire has started. It is, therefore, no coincidence that he’s gradually regaining Ten Hag’s trust.

“I have to say Harry is playing like we want him to play,” said Ten Hag, as quoted by the Guardian, following the Harry Maguire's impressive performance against Sheffield United.

“Very proactive out of possession, dominating his opponent, stepping in when necessary, reading the game, good covering but also in possession very proactive, stepping in, delivering good passes, switching, yes, I am happy with his performance.”

Harry Maguire has had his issues but how he’s overcome adversity to once again become an important member of the team deserves commendation. If he keeps improving, it’ll only be a matter of time before he’s fully back in favor with the manager.