Ruben Amorim has identified the Manchester United player who can be “an example” to his team-mates during this tough period.
The Red Devils suffered a third consecutive defeat in all competitions as they subsided to a 2-0 defeat at Wolves on Boxing Day after captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off.
It means United will need another player to take the armband when Newcastle visit Old Trafford on Monday.
Harry Maguire returned to the starting lineup for the 2-1 derby victory over Manchester City earlier this month and has kept his place since.
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Although Amorim would not confirm whether the ex-Red Devils’ captain would resume leadership duties, he offered a glowing endorsement of Maguire’s attitude and application.
“He works really well,” he said. “He is focused on the job, not on what people say.
“He has no excuses, even if he had some tough moments. In that department, he is an example.
“He’s there to play, to help the team and he’s trying to do that.”
Amorim on Man United’s game vs. Newcastle
Newcastle head into the match in buoyant mood after scoring 11 unanswered goals in three consecutive Premier League wins.
It represents a tough test for United at their current low ebb and Amorim acknowledges that tension will quickly work its way to the terraces if things start to go awry on the field.
“We have to expect that any play from Newcastle near our box is going to make our stadium nervous,” he added. “The players have to cope with that.”
It sounds like there are few players he trusts more to cope with that pressure right now than experienced England centre-back Maguire.
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