Erik ten Hag has hinted at Manchester United's first-choice back four for Premier League opener

Harry Maguire endured the worst season of his career last term and Manchester United have just signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax on a five-year contract. You wouldn't blame Maguire for feeling vulnerable in his position in the centre of United's defence.

Maguire received unprecedented criticism last season and the majority was warranted, as his performances were far from good enough. Although Maguire has insisted he does not pay attention to criticism, he held his hands to his ears after scoring for England against Albania in November and that suggested otherwise. The player's role as club captain was also regularly questioned.

That nightmare season is now behind Maguire and he's looking towards the future with Erik ten Hag in charge. Although most wanted Ten Hag to remove the captaincy from Maguire, he chose to stick by the player and back him in public instead.

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“I think he is. He’s proved it in the past but he also has to prove it in the present time and in the future," Ten Hag recently said when asked if Maguire was a first-choice player. "He has played 46 times for England. Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him. But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs. You cannot win with 11 players. We need a squad, especially this season with so many games. We have the Europa League, the Premier League and the World Cup so we need a full squad with high-quality players, not quantity.” Ten Hag's comments were the perfect antidote to any feeling of vulnerability.

Maguire would have appreciated the strong support from his manager, but actions speak louder than words and Ten Hag's actions