This season, the England international has been moved out of Manchester United’s starting lineup, with Raphael Varane and new arrival Lisandro Martinez favored over the 29-year-old.
And, with United’s fortunes improving since his departure, former United midfielder Scholes praised ten Hag for ‘changing a lot since their 4-0 loss to Brentford.
Scholes remarked on The Overlap, a Sky Bet-sponsored show, ‘He had to leave Harry Maguire out.’ It was a courageous choice. He’s a brave boss.’
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The England center-back has not started a Premier League game since their humiliating 4-0 loss to Brentford, which prompted ten Hag to make several changes to his starting lineup.
Maguire has started every game for United this season, including league defeats to Brighton and Brentford, as well as a 1-0 Europa League loss to Real Sociedad.
Meanwhile, when he is not present, they have a perfect record.
‘The audience becomes worried when the goalie attempts to play a ten-yard ball, that’s not a Manchester United mindset, that’s a Barcelona or Ajax philosophy,’ Scholes continued.
‘I’ve been encouraged by Erik ten Hag’s performance thus far. He’s evolved significantly since the Brentford game. The simple rule was to not play from the back.
‘Pass the ball to your finest players.’ ‘Place Christian Eriksen in center midfield, a man who can pass to the forwards.’
Scholes’ remarks regarding Maguire came after the defender was booed by England fans at Wembley Stadium before Monday night’s Nations League match against Germany.
Maguire gave up a penalty and then lost the ball in the buildup to Germany’s second goal in the 3-3 draw, putting his place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup lineup in peril.
The 29-year-old was one of England’s standout performances during their run to the European Championship final last year, but he has struggled for both club and country this season.
‘Why do we pick him?’ questioned England manager Gareth Southgate. Because he is one of the players who provide us with the highest possibility of victory. We should all desire a Harry Maguire who plays regularly and confidently.’
After losing their first two games of the season, United has managed to right the ship and is now sixth in the table after a run of wins.
Since their 2-1 win against Liverpool at the end of August, the team has only conceded two goals, one of which was Arsenal’s consolation goal in United’s 3-1 triumph over the Gunners.
Erik ten Hag’s next task will be a Premier League encounter against local rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
