Erik ten Hag piles praise on ‘magnificent’ Harry Maguire as Man Utd exile made first start since August in West Ham win

ERIK TEN HAG hailed Harry Maguire’s “magnificent” return.

Manchester United beat West Ham 1-0 in Maguire‘s first Prem start since being axed 11 weeks ago.

The centre-back’s solid display answered fears he might not be match sharp for England in the World Cup this winter.

And Old Trafford boss Ten Hag was especially pleased Maguire did the basics right after early-season errors.

The Dutchman told BBC’s Match of the Day: “He was magnificent in protecting the box. 

“He is a great player and a really good defender and we have seen how important he is for the squad.

“I am really happy for the team of course but also Harry Maguire as he came off the pitch with a clean sheet.”

Matchwinner Marcus Rashford impressed up front alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

And like Maguire, Rashford’s performance must have delighted Three Lions’ chief Gareth Southgate.

Rashford put the frighteners on the Hammers’ defence, even though he has to wait until Halloween for his 25th birthday. 

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And Ten Hag said: “It is a great performance. It is fantastic – and fantastic for Manchester United.  

“The player on the 85th anniversary of always having a youth player in the squad or on the pitch and Marcus Rashford is representing that fact and scores a brilliant goal with a great pass from (Christian) Eriksen.

“It was a great header, the day before his birthday, for his 100th goal is a real milestone.”