Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has leaped to the defence of captain Harry Maguire after the team's UEFA Europa League exit.
The Red Devils suffered a 3-0 defeat to Sevilla in their quarter-final second leg on Thursday and the defender came away with some criticism after his error for the first goal.
Ahead of Sunday's FA Cup clash against Brighton and Hove Albion, Ten Hag says the England international remains integral to the team.
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"He has an important role, he is the captain, he leads, he communicates with the manager, motivates the team, he's the example in the training space," Ten Hag said on Friday, as per the Mirror.
"I'm thinking about improving this team and these players, that's my job with the coaching staff and the players. We have all our focus on this process and not on other processes that will distract you.
"I know this group of players can do better, they've proved it so many times this season. We've made huge progress during the season, but we have steps to go. We have a lot of games to play and occasions to prove it."
Ten Hag is confident the team can bounce back in the FA Cup against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday evening.
"We can't deny it, it's mental, definitely. We have to learn that you keep going, you carry on," he said.
"What this team can do very well is bounce back in between games, what they can do less is bounce back during a game to a setback. That is what we have to improve."
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