Erik ten Hag given boost as Harry Maguire returns to team training

Harry Maguire has returned to training for Manchester United after missing out on the club’s 4-0 victory over Liverpool in Thailand on Tuesday. 

The centre-back sat out the pre-season friendly after picking up a knock during one of their training sessions on the weekend and spent Monday working on his fitness. 

However, he returned to team training on Wednesday as Erik ten Hag’s squad took part in their first session in Melbourne after jetting off to Australia after Tuesday’s game in Bangkok. 

Harry Maguire, 29, returned to training for Manchester United on Wednesday afternoon 

The centre-back (middle) was seen alongside his United team-mates at AAMI Park

Maguire was not the only United player to return to training on Wednesday. Raphael Varane – who sat out training on Monday but played on Tuesday – was pictured alongside his team-mates during their first session in Melbourne. 

Other United stars such as Jadon Sancho, Alex Telles, Fred, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial joined Maguire at training on Wednesday.  

While youngster such as Tyrell Malacia and Zidane Iqbal were also pictured training alongside their United first XI team-mates. 

Maguire missed out on the club’s 4-0 victory over Liverpool after sustaining a knock

As a result, the United captain spent Monday training alone and working on his fitness

Maguire could now face Melbourne Victory on Friday when Manchester United take part in the second friendly on their pre-season tour.  

Maguire will also look to feature against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace next week before the Red Devils fly to Norway for their game against Atletico Madrid on July 30. 

The 29-year-old defender will be eager to impress the new United boss after his position in the team was questioned last season. 

Maguire will also look to prove his worth as the Manchester United captain after some questionable decision-making as of late. 

Ten Hag showed his support for Maguire ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Liverpool in Bangkok.

However, he returned to training on Wednesday when United took to the pitch in Australia

Raphael Varane also returned to training on Wednesday after missing out on Monday’s session

He confirmed the England defender would remain as the United captain as he has ‘achieved a lot of success’.   

‘Harry Maguire is our captain,’ said Ten Hag. ‘I have to get to know all the players, but he’s an established captain and he’s achieved a lot of success.’

The news is a welcome boost for Maguire in the wake of a difficult season and with United chasing a new centre back after tabling an improved offer of £43million for Lisandro Martinez of Ajax.