Hidden reason why 30 years-old Manchester United defender Harry Maguire starts for Man United instead of Raphael Varane vs West Ham Match clash

On Sunday, Man United plays West Ham in the Premier League. Before the game, Erik ten Hag talked about his starting eleven.

Erik ten Hag says that Harry Maguire (Manchester United) starts against West Ham because he was in good shape before getting hurt and Raphael Varane needs a break.

Maguire hasn’t played since December 12, when he hurt his groin against Bayern Munich. But he was back with the team for the fourth-round FA Cup match against Newport County.

The United back came off the bench late in that game and replaced Lisandro Martinez in the 86th minute at Molineux Stadium these past two weeks. One player who didn’t start in the win over Wolves has been moved to the bench: Maguire.

In the middle of the field, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes will still start, while Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund will lead the attack.

“I don’t want to get too excited about having a fit squad too soon because players are still coming back.” They hadn’t had much time to rest between Wolves and this game, so hopefully we can win.

When asked how important it was to beat West Ham in order to get into European play, Ten Hag said, “You make the question, and when you do that, you know the answer.”

“That’s what we told the guys; from now on, every game is a major.” West Ham and Manchester United are only one point apart, so let’s keep the points at Old Trafford.