Photo Credit: Reuters

The famous saying goes: when the situation gets tough, the tough get going.If Erik ten Hag hasn't already done so, he might consider posting those words in Manchester United's dressing room. However, there's one player who doesn't need reminding: Harry Maguire.

As reported by the Mirror, once a symbol of Ten Hag's strict approach to the stars at Old Trafford, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, his decision to remove Harry Maguire, the fifth-choice center-back, as the club captain during pre-season seemed like the final nail in the coffin for the England international's United career.

Fast forward eight months, and not only is Maguire still with the team, but he's among the few players Ten Hag can depend on as he fights to keep his job. This has been the case for most of the Red Devils' challenging season. Back in November, after Maguire scored a crucial goal against Copenhagen, keeping United alive in the Champions League, Ten Hag urged the £80 million defender and some of his teammates to step up - and Maguire has answered emphatically.

When questioned about the squad's leadership, Ten Hag confirmed, "We have individuals with the right character for it. I would mention Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, who must show leadership in such moments. And of course, Bruno Fernandes. We have enough players with the personality to step forward and lead the team in such situations."

While the team as a whole hasn't collectively risen to the occasion since their manager's call, Maguire certainly has. His standout individual performances, though insufficient to prevent United from conceding a staggering 70 goals in all competitions this season, have surpassed his previous two campaigns. Additionally, he has been crucial at the other end of the pitch.

With three goals and one assist since his return from a six-game injury layoff in January, the former Leicester, Hull, and Sheffield United star has contributed at critical moments when Ten Hag's prospects appeared bleak. Consider Wednesday's match against his former club Sheffield United, where the sixth-placed Red Devils fell behind in the first half amidst a disinterested atmosphere at Old Trafford.

Despite boasting an attacking lineup that collectively cost £158.5 million, it was Maguire who leveled the score with a well-taken header against a resolute Sheffield United defense. His improvement in scoring from set-pieces and crosses has addressed a previous criticism after his signing by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

While his on-field performances have garnered praise even from his harshest critics, it's Maguire's demeanor off the pitch that has earned him the most admiration. Despite losing the captain's armband, being linked with transfers to clubs like West Ham and Tottenham, and enduring ridicule from opposing fans both domestically and internationally, his response has been exemplary.

In September alone, he faced jeers from Arsenal and Scotland supporters, while Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were still ahead of him in the starting XI. Towards the end of last season, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw were preferred over him.

The pressure and adversity would have tested the mettle of any player, but Maguire displayed resilience, seizing his opportunity when it arose. He refrained from public outbursts or social media complaints - behaviors exhibited by many of his current and former teammates at Old Trafford. Maguire has exemplified all the qualities of a top-tier United player.

This was evident again on Sunday when, after narrowly defeating Championship side Coventry on penalties in their FA Cup semi-final, Maguire's immediate reaction was a quick fist pump followed by a handshake with every Coventry player - unlike his teammate Antony.

"I don't think we needed to celebrate too hard," he remarked to Sky Sports. "We let ourselves down in the last 20 minutes of normal time. Playing for this club entails huge responsibility, and we didn't take responsibility in that last 20 minutes."

Maguire has become an example for others and recently played through pain as United faced a shortage of center-backs. After the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, Ten Hag disclosed, "Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half, but he overcame it for us. During the game, he recovered, and in the second half, he showed his leadership, defending qualities, and ability on the ball."

Regardless of how United concludes the season, Ten Hag may find himself unemployed by summer amidst Sir Jim Ratcliffe's reorganization. Meanwhile, Maguire has shown enough to secure another term at Old Trafford - particularly if Gareth Southgate plays a role in Ratcliffe's plans.