Ten Hag drops Maguire and McTominay Man Utd hints

Stuart Telford

• 29 Oct 2023 08:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay both appeared to be on the verge of a summer exit from Manchester United, but both are enjoying a second wind in recent weeks.

Maguire and McTominay were both coveted by other clubs in the summer, and West Ham even tried to sign both of them, but in the end both players elected to stay and fight for their place.

That looked to be an uphill task with Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and latterly Sofyan Amrabat all players signed by Ten Hag who play in their positions, but injuries have afforded them opportunities.

READ: Harry Maguire forces Man Utd to abandon January plans to sign centre back

Maguire scored the winner against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday and McTominay has scored three goals in his last three games, replicating his prolific form for Scotland.

Ten Hag: 'they want to be successful'

"They are committed to the club, but especially they are committed to this team," Ten Hag admitted before Sunday's derby with Manchester City. "They want to be successful and are therefore aware you need the team, your teammates and cooperation.

"When the cooperation is growing, you will play better. That is how the players are thinking, and they are not thinking about strategic reviews or structures or whatever."

READ: 'McTominay an example for all of us' - Ten Hag praised Man Utd goal hero

The strategic reviews and structures Ten Hag is referring to pertain to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's imminent arrival, with the INEOS chief set to have his £1.3 billion offer for 25 per cent of the club accepted.

Formerly the UK's richest man, Ratcliffe will be given full sporting control, and reports have emerged that he would like to replace Ten Hag with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter.

Should such a change in the dug-out occur, Maguire and McTominay could yet find themselves as first choices at Old Trafford, whether or not other teammates are unavailable.