HAG TO STOMACH

Maguire says uncertainty over boss was 'tough, damaged their performances' and 'things that came out before FA Cup final were really poor'

- DAVID MCDONNELL

HARRY MAGUIRE believes the speculation over Erik ten Hag's job sabotaged Manchester United last season.

Despite leading United to FA Cup success against Manchester City, Ten Hag was left in limbo for two-and-ahalf weeks over the summer before being given the green light to carry on.

Maguire admitted it was strange celebrating United's FA Cup triumph with the players and staff on the night of their Wembley win, not knowing if any of them would see Ten Hag (right) again.

And the defender reckons all the speculation surrounding Ten Hag's future affected the form of the players, with United ending the season in eighth place, their worst Premier League finish.

"It was tough," said Maguire, speaking at United's Los Angeles hotel on their US tour. "I felt some of the things that came out in the lead-up to the FA Cup final were really poor.

"The manager handled it brilliantly. For us players, we didn't see anything different in the manager, so credit to him for the way he handled it because there was so much uncertainty around the club.