14th August, 2023
Manager Erik ten Hag has warned that Harry Maguire should quit Manchester United if he is not confident enough to battle for his place.
This comes following claims that the defender is close to joining West Ham United.
Speaking to reporters, Ten Hag said, “He has to fight for his place, and he has the abilities to be a top-class centre back. He is the best for England, and I assume he will be the best for us, but he has to prove it.
“When he is not confident enough to go in and fight, then he has to go. He has to make a decision. But I am happy with him… You need high-level players who are maybe not starting, but that can change.”
Last month, Maguire was deposed as captain after the 30-year-old made only eight Premier League appearances last season, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof favoured in central defence.
West Ham had agreed to a deal for 30 million pounds ($38.01 million) for Maguire, who became the world’s most expensive defender when United paid Leicester City 80 million pounds to sign him in 2019.
United host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League opener later on Monday.