English Premier League Manchester United manager Eric ten Hagg’s head must be hurting. The Red Devils are currently off to a poor start to the season. After five rounds, they are in 13th place with two wins, three losses, and six points. United were expected to do well this season, but they’ve gotten off to a slow start.
In particular, the media has been pointing out United’s defense. In five games, they’ve scored six goals and conceded a whopping 10. That’s two points per game. The media suggests that United should bring back Harry Maguire.
According to The Sun in the UK, statistics show that Maguire has had better results compared to Martinez and Lindelof. For Manchester United to rebound, they need to strengthen their defense. As we said before, it’s not easy to win while conceding two points per game. We’re talking about three points.
Eric ten Hagg started Lisandro Martinez (25) and Victor Lindelof (29) against Brighton in the fifth round. The result was the same as the previous game against Arsenal, a 1-3 loss. Against Arsenal, he sent the two players to the center of defense.
Van Gaal also didn’t start Maguire against Arsenal and Brighton. Against Arsenal, he substituted Martinez, but against Brighton, he didn’t even play him at all.
However, Martinez’s performance was problematic enough that Peter Schmeichel accused him of “trying to be a hero”.
When it comes to conceding too many goals, Van Gaal admits that he needs to improve. After the Brighton game, he said: “We have to improve. “We have to improve, both as a team and as individuals,” he said, “and sometimes we have to deal with the difficult times we are in.
Ten Haag has a lot of confidence in Martinez and Lindelof this season. Maguire has been trying to get rid of him since last season, but he has repeatedly refused to move on. Martinez and Lindelof have taken over from Maguire as the starting central defenders.
The problem is that both players have performed worse than Maguire since the start of the season. The Sun compared their stats, and it’s clear that Maguire should be brought back instead. The Sun even suggests that Maguire should be considered for a return to the team 메이저놀이터.
According to Opta, a British statistical analysis company, Maguire has made more interceptions than his rivals. Per 90 minutes, Martinez has just 0.5 and Lindelof 0.3, while Maguire has 1.5 (see table).
Maguire also completed an average of 58 passes. That’s the same as Martinez and ahead of Lindelof. Maguire was also ahead of Lindelof in tackles per 90 minutes.
United will next face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Nov. 21 at the Allianz Arena in Germany. They will have to defend against the likes of Harry Kane, Leroy Sane, and Serge Gnabry. Bayern Munich has scored 11 goals this season, with Kane scoring four of them.
Maguire has played alongside Kane on the England national team and has faced him numerous times in the EPL. Until last season, Kane played for Tottenham.
Therefore, The Sun believes that this could be a great opportunity for Maguire to return to the side and prove that he can still be a top player. Of course, this can only happen if Van Gaal gives Maguire a chance.
Gabriel Agbonlahor, a former Aston Villa striker, said in a media interview, “Maguire must be looking around the dressing room now thinking, ‘How am I not getting a chance in this team?’ “Maguire deserves to be at United,” he said, taking a swipe at Van Gaal’s mercenariness.