Ten Hag names the TWO things Maguire must do to stay at Man Utd
Cameron Smith
- 1 Aug 2023 11:20 BST
- 3 min read
Erik ten Hag has stated the two things that Harry Maguire must do to regain his place in the Manchester United starting XI amid increased speculation of a summer exit.
The England international has been stripped of the Red Devils captaincy, with Bruno Fernandes replacing him as skipper, while interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham United has also been reported.
The Blues have moved away from Maguire and look set to sign AS Monaco’s Axel Disasi, but West Ham remain keen on landing the 30-year-old, with his place at Old Trafford uncertain at best, and have lodged a €23 million (£20m) bid for the player.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
However, that was rebuffed by Man Utd, who are demanding roughly €50m for the English defender.
Victor Lindelof displaced Maguire as the club’s third-choice centre-back last season, while Jonny Evans has been purchased on a free transfer from Leicester City.
However, Ten Hag has provided Maguire with the information he needs to reclaim his place as a regular at Man Utd.
MORE: Barcelona consider terminating the contract of ex-Man Utd transfer target
What has Ten Hag said?
The Dutchman was asked about Maguire’s future and told reporters: “I will not say that Harry isn’t part of this group. He has to fight for his position.
“He is a very good centre-back, and I believe in the potential of Harry Maguire. “It’s just that he has to prove himself and fight his way into the team. It’s up to him, and I think he can do it.
“See his competition, It’s tough when you’re competing with Rapha Varane and Victor Lindelof. It's huge competition. That has nothing to do with the belief.
“I have often chosen a player ahead of Harry, that’s true. But that says nothing about me not believing in him. He has to show he is better for the team than Rapha or Victor. I think that’s a normal situation in top football.
“When you are at Man United you have to fight for your position and bring your skills in and prove you are the best for the team, and contribute the most.”
Maguire made 31 appearances for Man Utd last season, but was only handed eight starts in the Premier League all term, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez emerging as Ten Hag’s preferred centre-back duo.
