Manchester United drew 2-2 for the second weekend in a row, picking up a point away at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday evening.
United drew with Liverpool last Sunday and were hoping to find a win after a long trip down to the South Coast.
Bournemouth took the lead as Dominic Solanke rifled past Andre Onana following a cheap giveaway in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes lashed home a leveller for United, only for Justin Kluivert to cut inside and fire Bournemouth level.
United found another equaliser after the break though with Fernandes slotting home from the penalty set after Adam Smith’s handball.
Erik ten Hag’s men couldn’t find a winner and hearts will have been in mouths late on as Bournemouth were awarded a penalty.
However, the decision was overturned thanks to VAR and United escaped a late disaster at the Vitality Stadium.
Erik ten Hag on Harry Maguire
This was another disappointing performance from United, who allowed another 20 shots on Onana’s goal.
That is now an average of 17.9 shots per game given up by United, which is the worst in the league – yes, even worse than Sheffield United now.
This just can’t continue but Ten Hag did offer praise to one United defender after the final whistle.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ten Hag noted that centre back Harry Maguire was ‘struggling’ with an injury in the first half, seemingly suffering with a thigh problem.
Maguire battled through and Ten Hag was delighted that he managed to continue, highlighting United’s lack of centre back options right now.
Ten Hag also felt that Maguire showed real leadership in the second half, helping United improve defensively and come away with a point.
“Harry Maguire was struggling in the first half, we were very pleased that he overcame it, because we don’t have centre halves any more,” said Ten Hag. “Then you see second half, his leadership is coming in, he’s guiding and then we are more close,” he added.
Maguire future up in the air
Maguire recorded five successful aerial duels, three clearances, two tackles and two blocked shots against Bournemouth.
The 31-year-old is approaching the end of another season at United and it’s difficult to predict his future.
United were open to letting Maguire leave last summer, but he rejected a move to West Ham United to fight for his place at Old Trafford.
Maguire has been a solid option for United this season and has possibly done enough to stick around for a while yet.
West Ham have been linked again though and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see United cash in with Maguire out of contract in 2025, although that deal can be extended by another year.
Maguire is clearly respected by Ten Hag and he has battled back admirably from United being willing to sell him last summer, but predicting whether he will be at the club to start next season is a tough ask.