Erik ten Hag has issued a stern caution to Harry Maguire in anticipation of Manchester United’s inaugural match of the season.
Manchester United will commence their 2023/24 Premier League journey with a fixture against Wolves at home.
Considering the recent acquisitions of Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana from Ajax, it is probable that both players will make appearances.
In contrast, Harry Maguire’s prospects of participating at Old Trafford seem dim, as he has been strongly linked with a departure from the club in advance of the transfer deadline.
He’s been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with West Ham United hoping to acquire the England international.
And Ten Hag believes the 30-year-old would be better off leaving Man United if he’s not confident enough to fight for a first-team spot.
“He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back,” said the Dutchman.
“He is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us?
“But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision. But I’m happy with him.”
🎙 “If he is not confident enough to go in and fight, then he has to go”
Erik ten Hag believes Harry Maguire should leave Manchester United if he is not ready to fight for a place in the first-team 🔴 pic.twitter.com/dX9eqlFl90
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 14, 2023
Maguire played second fiddle to the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez last season as he made 16 league appearances.
His future seems to lie away from Man United and a potential sale could generate more funds for Ten Hag to recruit new talent ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.
The Red Devils have also signed Rasmus Hojlund and the 53-year-old is happy with the club’s business this summer.
“One year ago we did a benchmark and there were only five players above £60m,” he added.
“Now you see all over many clubs investing high rates in their squads. The competition is very tough in the Premier League but we are happy with the squad we constructed.”