Harry Maguire hailed the impact Erik ten Hag has had on Manchester United despite a difficult start to the season.
The 29-year-old has featured sparingly for the Dutchman this campaign, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez the preferred pairing of centre-backs.
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Maguire is still the captain of Manchester United
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Ten Hag has done wonders in his short time at Manchester United
Maguire has started just five Premier League games this term ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, which is broadcast live on talkSPORT.
United are hoping to win their first silverware since 2017 and Maguire believes the manager’s desire not to let standards drop sets him apart.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the England international said: “His ideas are different to many we are used to, I must say. He was also an advocate.
“This season it has shown that it works and it has worked in the past as well. He has brought a philosophy and ideas about how he wants us to play.
“He will probably tell you that there are still a lot of improvements we need to make.
“He is so demanding in everything he does and everything he says.
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Maguire has started just five Premier League games this season
“Whether it’s on training ground or if you’re doing a passing drill early on and you miss a pass, he’s on you right away and those are the demands he sets. He wants high standards.”
Bruno Fernandes has held the armband for much of the season due to Maguire being benched, but the defender remains the club’s official captain.
It is Maguire’s second cup final with United after joining from Leicester in 2019, the first being his Europa League loss to Villarreal in 2021.
And the former Sheffield United star has stated that winning his first major honor is something he is enjoying.
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Ten Hag looks to guide United to their first trophy since 2017 when they face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
He commented: “It will be an incredible moment for me.
“It is a great honor for a captain of this football club. A true privilege.
“Since I was named captain, it has been a dream to lift my first trophy with this football club.
“It’s been a long process, but like I said, we’ve got a long way to go and it’s a great game and I’m not going to think too much about it until the time comes.”