What Erik ten Hag said about Harry Maguire’s player-of-the-match display vs Sheff Utd

Erik ten Hag praised Harry Maguire’s ‘personality’ after Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Saturday night.

The Red Devils recorded back-to-back wins in the Premier League thanks to goals from Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot at Bramall Lane. But it was Maguire who collected Sky Sports' player-of-the-match award after he put in an accomplished display at the back against his former side.

The defender started consecutive United matches for the first time since April, in what has been a difficult period for the 31-year-old, but dealt well with the pace and threat of Ollie McBurnie and Cameron Archer in the opposition attack.

The visiting fans chanted Maguire’s name after the match, and Ten Hag said he was pleased with the England international’s performance. “I think it was deserved and he played a very good game,” the United manager told Sky. “He showed personality and he played very good football - read the game very well. I am happy with this performance for him.

“We are happy with the win,” Ten Hag continued, when asked for his view of the match. “Find a way to win, that was the approach. The first half was not the best game from our side and after we go 1-0 up, too quickly we concede a goal. I think in the second half we controlled the game and made a great winner.

“Sheffield, their approach in the game, they had a lot of energy, they played a little bit of a different system to what we expected and we have to adjust quicker, read that and take quicker control of the game and have better organisation.”

The consecutive league wins see United shoot up to eighth in table, and Ten Hag said he wants to see an improved and more consistent approach from his side going forward.

“It’s important and you have to fight in the Premier League for every point. You have to play your best in every game because you have to deserve it.

“We have to go from game to game, but back-to-back wins, we are not there yet. You have to fight for it every game and there is not an easy game. We have to play our best football every time so that demands the high standards. You have to deliver it every day and in every game.”