He praised the progress made by Erik Ten Hag Harry Maguire Although the Manchester United captain continues to play some role.
The central defender made only the 11th start of the season with a 1-0 win. Real Betis Thursday’s Europa League, with only five of them starting in the Premier League.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are Ten Hag’s first choice partnership, with Victor Lindelof competing alongside fullback Luke Shaw.
Ten Hag said: “I’m really happy with the progress Harry has made, he’s more dominant and dictating, taking more initiative in training. I think we’ve seen that in Sevilla, especially against Betis, where he showed leadership in the initiative and dictation aspects of the game. “
winger Facundo Pellistri He made his debut for the club in Sevilla after a lively European home debut.
The 21-year-old Uruguayan has impressed again, and while more chances might be given with Alejandro Garnacho joining the injured roster, it’s doubtful for Antony’s FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Sunday.
Ten Hag sent Pellistri a warning that if he wanted to build a future for himself at Old Trafford he must seize every opportunity he gets.
“You have to deserve it and collect it yourself,” said the Dutchman.
“We’re going to help him by working really hard for the culture, the style of play and the coaches. But the players have to take their chances, they have to earn their chances by performing on and off the court every day.
“He has the talent to do it, as does Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo from the youth. Pellistri is one of them and there are more people who can do it. But you have to contribute to the team.
Manchester United is not a place where we can be patient enough to try one for 10 games, you have to show your performance.”
Still, Ten Hag insisted that his patience had not yet run out. Anthony Fightstill not ready to return from his last rest due to injury.
“If that’s the case, I don’t think it’s the right moment,” said the United boss. “I believe in him. He has really contributed to the team performance whenever he is available.
“As soon as he is available, the level of the team rises. We work with him just to be fit and available.
When asked if the Frenchman needs to push his body a little more, Ten Hag replied, “Every person is different, so you have to treat everyone differently. You need to handle this process really carefully. I’ll do anything to make him available.”