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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ten Hag explained why he substituted Maguire</li><li>Made a crucial block to stop a dangerous Fulham counter</li><li>Zirkzee's strike helped Man Utd pick up three points</li></ul>

Erik ten Hag explains decision to substitute Harry Maguire against Fulham as he insists defender wasn't injured

Europa League

Viktoria Plzen

Manchester United

Premier League

Liverpool

Fulham

Maguire featured in Ten Hag's starting lineup alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Manchester United's defence as they <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-player-ratings-vs-fulham-joshua-zirkzee-casemiro/bltca0508304b5cd0f9#cs31b3329e2c4d475f" target="_blank">took on Fulham in the Premier League curtain raiser</a> on Friday at Old Trafford. The English defender looked impressive with his passing and made a crucial block to prevent a Fulham counter, however, he did not last 90 minutes on the pitch.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ten Hag decided to substitute the defender in the 81st minute as Jonny Evans took his place. The manager explained his decision to reporters while also claiming that Maguire was not injured. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/couldn-t-be-better-joshua-zirkzee-reacts-dream-man-utd-debut-fulham/bltaa0bb5fbca857c30" target="_blank">Joshua Zirkzee scored on his debut</a> for the Red Devils as they edged out Marco Silva's side 1-0.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking to reporters after the game, the Dutch coach said, "Not injured, but I had to bring him off because he had a problem. Before he gets injured, so [a] precaution. The win is very important, of course, but I'm so happy no injuries today."

WHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

United players will feel a significant boost after opening their Premier League campaign with three points and will be next seen in action on August 24 as they take on Brighton in an away fixture.

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Erik ten Hag explains decision to substitute Harry Maguire against Fulham as he insists defender wasn't injured | Goal.com United Arab Emirates

Erik ten Hag explained why he decided to sub off Harry Maguire despite the player not being injured.

Erik ten Hag explains decision to substitute Harry Maguire against Fulham as he insists defender wasn&apos;t injured