Former England manager Sam Allardyce has criticised Erik ten Hag over his treatment of Manchester United captain, Harry Maguire.

The England international came back to the Manchester United squad on Thursday night as a second-half cameo as they defeated Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 in the Europa League.

Maguire found life difficult at the Theatre of Dreams this season and was dropped following a series of woeful performances.

Erik ten Hag prefers Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in his central defence and both defenders were more organized and helped United go on a four-match winning streak.

Allardyce, a former Premier League boss, believes that Ten Hag is handling the England international poorly amidst his poor run of form.

He told Manchester Evening News: “It’s scandalous, what’s happening. This is out and out trying to destroy somebody.

“Everybody’s on his back … to put out what’s been put out, no-one can withstand that pressure.

“That sort of criticism in every way, shape or form – it’s bound to affect Harry.”