Manchester United's Harry Maguire, right, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal against Porto (Image: AP)

Harry Maguire shows true colours as he responds to Erik ten Hag situation before Aston Villa

Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as they prepare to face Manchester United in the Premier League at Villa Park

by · Birmingham Live

Manchester United’s Harry Maguire has backed Erik ten Hag to handle the increasing pressure ahead of facing Aston Villa.

It has been suggested Ten Hag could be sacked if United suffer defeat in the Premier League at Villa Park on Sunday (2pm), with the Red Devils down in 13th place in the table after six matches and also struggling in the Europa League. Ten Hag needed a late goal from Maguire to rescue a 3-3 draw in Porto on Thursday night.

Maguire has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ten Hag, having previously been captain, and his own future at the club has been questioned, but speaking after the final whistle in Porto he still backed his manager.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag 'will have to' make one big change for Man Utd's Villa clash

READ MORE: Will Bruno Fernandes miss Villa match after second Man United red card in five days?

“I have played for this club for six years and I know how it works,” Maguire said. “When you go through a bad spell, players come under pressure, but also the manager does.

“He (Ten Hag) is experienced enough, he has been in the game long enough and has been at this club long enough, so I am sure he has learnt how to deal with it. It is part and parcel of playing for or managing this club, part of the privilege that you have.”

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