Erik ten Hag hails Harry Maguire for "massive" performance

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag paid tribute to Harry Maguire for his performance in Saturday's 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League.

The England international was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford over the summer, with West Ham United said to have had an offer accepted for him.

Maguire, though, turned down the chance to move to the Hammers in favour of battling to return to the first XI at Man United.

An injury to Lisandro Martinez opened the door for the ex-Sheffield United youngster to return to the side, and he has been an ever-present in recent matches, starting the team's last six fixtures in all competitions.

Raphael Varane has again had his fitness problems this season, and the Frenchman has also been left out, with Jonny Evans and Maguire starting ahead of him in the Manchester derby last weekend.

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With Martinez out following a foot operation, there is an argument that Maguire is now the first-choice centre-back due to his impressive form, and he will be in the XI against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday night if he is available for selection.

The 30-year-old put in a strong performance against Fulham on Saturday, overcoming an early blow to the face in order to play a key role in his team keeping a clean sheet.

Ten Hag, speaking during his post-match press conference, lavished praise on the Englishman for his "very good performance" at Craven Cottage.

"[Maguire] was playing a massive, massive game. A very good performance. He showed leadership and in and out of possession he was very good, so I'm very pleased with that performance from Harry," said the manager.

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Man United have big decisions to make when it comes to their centre-back positions next year, as Maguire only has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2025, with the option of a further 12 months.

Evans is out of contract next year, as is Victor Lindelof, although the club are expected to activate a one-year extension to keep hold of the Sweden international.

Martinez is viewed as a vital player for the club moving forward, but Varane is currently being heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.

The ex-France international was a late substitute against Fulham on Saturday, and Ten Hag must now decide whether to bring him in against Copenhagen, or stick with Evans alongside Maguire.

Lindelof was absent against Marco Silva's side due to illness, but he is expected to return for the European fixture, giving Ten Hag another option in the middle of the defence.