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Harry Maguire proved he remained one of Manchester United’s only leaders with his reaction to Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United. The Red Devils No 5 was one of no more than a few visiting players immune from criticism in a dismal performance at St James’ Park.
A 1-0 scoreline flattered Erik ten Hag’s side, who were under the cosh from the off as they failed to live with Newcastle’s intensity for the second time this season.
Maguire started his 11th consecutive game on Tyneside and continued his unexpected renaissance with a solid performance at the heart of United’s defence.
Luke Shaw also made an admirable effort alongside him, but it would’ve been a lot more ugly without Maguire’s leadership.
Ten Hag stripped the 30-year-old of the United captaincy in the summer, handing the armband to Bruno Fernandes.
But he has displayed the character and professionalism that defines a leader at the highest level.
After full-time, he became the latest United figure to make an effort to boost Marcus Rashford’s morale as his woeful campaign continued.
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Rashford has been blasted for his work rate against Newcastle, looking a shadow of the world-class forward who netted a career-best 30 goals last season.
Ten Hag hooked the 26-year-old after an hour at St James’, making it 14 games without an open play goal for United.
But Maguire has rallied his England team-mate, insisting that he’s putting in the effort behind the scenes to rediscover his lethal goalscoring form.
He said: “Marcus had an unbelievable season last season. This season, it hasn’t clicked for him. He’s working hard. Everyone in that dressing room knows what he’s about.”
Ten Hag refused to discuss Rashford’s lacklustre form after the loss, claiming they were set for private showdown talks.
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But Ally McCoist was critical of the Dutchman’s No 10, suggesting his place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad should be under threat by the matchwinner, Anthony Gordon.
“In no way, shape, or form [should Rashford play at Euro 2024] on this evening’s performance, absolutely not,” McCoist told TNT Sports.
“If we’re on about current form in general, certainly Anthony Gordon has been playing far better. The only thing you would say is that it’s a tough position to get in when you have the number of players we have playing there.
“Gareth Southgate has problems in that area because he has great talent, but on tonight’s performance, Anthony Gordon certainly has to come into the reckoning.”
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