Erik ten Hag explains why Harry Maguire starts Manchester United vs Everton fixture

Erik ten Hag has admitted Harry Maguire starts for Manchester United against Everton for the sake of rotation.

Maguire has slipped down the pecking order in central defence at Old Trafford this season and he's been given just five starts in the Premier League, but he's been handed a surprise chance to start against Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Ten Hag has made the decision to rest Varane for the visit of Everton, which means Maguire will partner Lisandro Martinez for the game, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia also coming into the team in the full-back positions.

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With the exception of those three defensive changes, the team has stayed the same from the win against Brentford and Ten Hag will be hopeful of recording back-to-back wins, despite taking a risk with his selection in defence.

Ahead of kick-off, Ten Hag discussed his decision to start Maguire with BT Sport and he said: “He [Maguire] played against Fulham, he played against Betis, he’s playing for England, so he is fit and ready to play.

“The thinking is we have the most crazy schedule of all the Premier League teams, we have three games to cover in six days, which is not right, but we have to deal with it. He [Maguire] can deal with all his opponents.

"He just had to bring it on the pitch. I’ve seen so many [good] things on the training ground and also in games. He has to dominate his opponent in and out of possession because that is his status and that is his reputation.”

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