"Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half and, luckily for us, he overcame and recovered from it," Ten Hag said with relief.
"You can see the second half he was up there and then he can express his leadership, he can express his defensive qualities and rest on the ball, we especially needed that in this back four."
Within eight months, Ten Hag has gone from not needing Maguire to needing him. His specific admiration for Maguire's leadership was a tad rich when he had stripped him of the captaincy but this has been a season of contradictions from the United manager.
Maguire has had a laudable campaign, especially considering his starting point. Impressionable fans in America and Ireland booed him during pre-season yet when Maguire limped off against Bayern Munich in December he was serenaded by the Old Trafford regulars.
Andre Onana was playing to the gallery in Las Vegas when he let rip at Maguire during the defeat to Borussia Dortmund. At Bournemouth, Onana offered his teammate a high five during a tactical timeout.
Maguire has not been this valued at United in almost three years. His strengths were more obvious when he was absent for the 2020-21 runin as United sieved nine goals in five matches. Maguire recovered from injury to earn a place in the European Championship team of the tournament.
This story is from the April 18, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 18, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Driver's Miracle Escape As BMW Ripped Apart In Crash
DRAMATIC photos show the devastating aftermath of a crash in the early hours.
PEP GIVES SIDE DAYS OFF AFTER GRUELLING RUN
CITY players will rest up at home for two days before reuniting for their next Premier League game.
Ex faces life for murder of 'real angel'
MAN, 46, ADMITS KILLING HIS FORMER PARTNER ON FIRST DAY OF TRIAL
Family's troubled daughter found dead at hospital
INQUEST HEARS PATIENT, 20, DETAINED AT PSYCHIATRIC WARD FOR 13 MONTHS
Man admits 'motiveless' killing of Thomas, 87
A MAN has admitted killing an elderly mobility scooter rider in a \"motiveless\" knife attack five days after being released from prison.
Shop loved by City stars in special 9p sarnie offer
A POPULAR Italian sandwich shop will be giving out 9p sandwiches this week to celebrate the ninth birthday of the Deliveroo app.
KNOW MY WORTH Antony has say on critics and looks forward to cup final as a difficult season draws to a conclusion
ANTONY insists he has no issue with the criticism he has received during his time at United.
Media, pundits...If Ten Hag is on his way out, he's going out fighting
'Garnacho needs coaching to improve finishing and decision-making. Hojlund is as raw now as when he signed in the summer' TYRONE MARSHALL
City learning to channel emotions is key to closing in on Premier crown
IT wasn't quite Mo Salah and Jurgen Klopp, but City's body language in the first half at Nottingham Forest was hardly harmonious.
BILLIE'S FAB FOUR GIGS ON UK TOUR
AMERICAN singer Billie Eilish will be embarking on a huge world tour next year - including four massive shows right here in Manchester.