Erik Ten Hag has given updates on what Maguire needs to do to earn a starting spot at the club
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has given an update on the club’s captain, Harry Maguire, who has struggled for playing time, especially after the World Cup break.
Ten Hag wants Maguire to fight for his spot
Maguire has struggled to maintain his usual presence in Manchester United’s starting lineup and has dropped in the pecking order for centre-backs since Ten Hag arrived at the club.
Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and even left-back Luke Shaw have started over Maguire in the heart of Manchester United’s defence, which has led to questions over Maguire’s place and continuity in the team.
In response to these questions, Ten Hag stated that there is no definite favourite in Manchester United's defence and that Maguire, like other players, will need to earn his spot in the team, going on to say that he does not see Maguire as the fifth choice and that the England international could see his current situation change very quickly if he does the right things.
“Harry Maguire? He’s not our fifth choice. Harry has to fight for his position and things can change, sometimes also really quickly.
“I think he is making progress, and it’s up to him now."
Maguire’s minute-by-minute struggle
Maguire has played four of a possible six Premier League matches since the World Cup, starting only one, United’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth. In the other three matches he played in the league, he amassed a total of 15 minutes of game time.
The only other fixture that Maguire has started was the EFL Cup win over League One club Charlton.
Should Maguire’s absence from the first team continue, he could be urged to find a move away from Old Trafford, but his manager believes he still has a shot at reclaiming his spot as one of the favoured centre-backs.
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