Ralf Rangnick said Harry Maguire played 'like a captain' in Manchester United's heart-stopping win over West Ham.
Maguire returned from injury for his first start since December 30, having been on the bench in the previous matches at Brentford and Aston Villa.
Victor Lindelof's wish to stay with his wife and two sons after they hid from burglars whilst he was playing at Brentford on Wednesday allowed Maguire to return to the United XI and lead them to victory over West Ham.
Raphael Varane was formidable again at centre-back against West Ham striker Michail Antonio and Rangnick was pleased with the defending by both centre-halves.
"It was a very good performance from both centre-backs," Rangnick said. "Defensively, almost without any mistake on the ball. Some long balls in the first-half, two or three of them that they would not necessarily have played.
"But, as I said, defensively he was very present, he was vocal on the pitch. He played like a captain should play."
Marcus Rashford scored his second goal in as many matches off the bench to stake his claim for a start against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round in United's next game.
Rashford replaced Anthony Elanga on the hour mark and Jadon Sancho was absent again due to a family bereavement. United have intense competition on the flanks, with Anthony Martial now back in the fold despite his desire to leave before the January transfer deadline.
"We have a lot of wingers and outstanding players in that position," Rangnick added. "Jadon was not available today but we have a lot of players for those two positions and Marcus is one of them.
"Right now, yes, he scored twice in two consecutive games when he came from the bench but of course, his ambition is to play regularly from the start and if he continuously plays on high levels and scores goals of course this is the best way back in the team and to play from the beginning."
