It’s up to Harry Maguire if he wants to leave – Erik Ten Hag

 

Manchester United head coach Erik Ten Hag has revealed that it is up to Harry Maguire if he wants to leave. The Dutch tactician said he will want the center-back to stay with the team but he will have to fight for his place in the playing XI.

In fact, Maguire had done a decent job for England in the FIFA World Cup 2022 but he was not included in the Red Devils’ starting XI on a consistent basis in the last season.

Erik Ten Hag gave more opportunities to the duo of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as center-back and thus Maguire could only get limited matches.

“Exactly,” said Ten Hag when asked whether the decision to stay or go rests with Maguire.

“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 was recently stripped of his captaincy duties by Erik Ten Hag, with Bruno Fernandes being named as the team’s leader for the upcoming season. The Englishman could only play 16 matches across competitions in the last season while starting in just eight games in the Premier League.

The 53-year-old head coach revealed he has nothing personal against the veteran defender and wants him to extend his stay with the club.

“It’s nothing against Harry, it was in advantage of the team,” said Ten Hag.

“Then you make the decision. But 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.”

Manchester United will play against Lens in a club friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday.