"I had to bring him off" - Erik ten Hag provides update on Manchester United star after substitution against Fulham
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided an update on Harry Maguire's fitness after their 1-0 win over Fulham on Friday, August 16. The English defender had to be subbed off in the 81st minute after an excellent performance.
The Red Devils hosted Fulham at Old Trafford in their first game of the 2024-25 Premier League season on Friday. Both sides missed plenty of opportunities throughout the game. However, United's new signing Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench and scored the winner in the 87th minute.
Harry Maguire started in defense for Manchester United alongside Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot, and new signing Noussair Mazraoui. He was brilliant on the day, making five clearances, three interceptions, and one block. He won 6/9 duels, completed 50/60 passes, and also completed 1/2 dribble attempts. He did receive a yellow card for a dive though.
Maguire was subbed off in the 81st minute for veteran Jonny Evans. After the game, Erik ten Hag was asked if it was due to an injury and he answered (via Metro):
"Not injured but I had to bring him off because he had a problem. Before he gets injured, a precaution.
"The win is very important of course, but I’m so happy no injuries today."
Manchester United already have new signing Leny Yoro out injured in central defense. They have, however, signed Matthijs de Ligt, who came on as a substitute against Fulham.
Erik ten Hag assesses Manchester United's performance in Premier League opener against Fulham
Manchester United started their 2024-25 Premier League campaign well with a 1-0 win over Fulham. They had 56% possession and 5/14 attempts on target as compared to the visitors' 2/10 attempts on target. Both sides missed plenty of chances but the hosts found the breakthrough.
Erik ten Hag assessed his side's performance after the game, saying (via Metro):
"I think the performance was OK. The win is very pleasing, To start the season with a win is always important. We are not ready as a squad, as a team, many players are not up to full fitness. We only had 10 days with this team training together.
"I expect more from this team, but we have a foundation we can build on. The performance is good, over 90 minutes of course there is room for improvement. But I think all over the performance and execution of the game plan was very good."
Manchester United will next face Brighton & Hove Albion away next Saturday, August 24.