Harry Maguire began his eleventh game in a row on Tyneside, and he maintained his remarkable comeback with a strong showing at the center of United’s defense.

Alongside him, Luke Shaw put out an impressive effort, but without Maguire’s guidance, things would have turned out far worse.

Taking away the 30-year-old’s United captaincy in the summer, Ten Hag gave Bruno Fernandes the armband.

However, he has demonstrated the moral fiber and level of professionalism that characterize a top-tier leader.

He became the most recent United player, as his miserable campaign continued, to try to lift Marcus Rashford’s spirits after full-time.

Rashford has come under fire for his lack of effort against Newcastle, appearing to be a far cry from the elite striker who scored a career-high 30 goals the previous campaign.

After an hour at St. James’, Ten Hag hooked the 26-year-old, sending United into a record 14 games without an open play goal.

However, Maguire has inspired his England colleague by adamantly stating that he is working hard behind the scenes to regain his deadly goal-scoring form.

He said: “Marcus had an unbelievable season last season. This season, it hasn’t clicked for him. He’s working hard. Everyone in that dressing room knows what he’s about.”

However, Ally McCoist criticized the Dutchman’s number ten, arguing that Anthony Gordon, the game-winning player, should be a challenge to the Dutchman’s spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

“In no way, shape, or form [should Rashford play at Euro 2024] on this evening’s performance, absolutely not,” McCoist told TNT Sports.

“If we’re on about current form in general, certainly Anthony Gordon has been playing far better. The only thing you would say is that it’s a tough position to get in when you have the number of players we have playing there.

“Gareth Southgate has problems in that area because he has great talent, but on tonight’s performance, Anthony Gordon certainly has to come into the reckoning.”