Man United boss Erik ten Hag places the gauntlet on Harry Maguire, warning him to ‘PROVE’ he can nonetheless be a ‘top class central defender’ – or go away!
Erik ten Hag has known as up Harry Maguire to point out he can carry out on the high stage or go away Manchester United.
It comes as Mails Sport understands that the membership have agreed a £30 million deal to promote the England defender to West Ham, with Maguire accepting a £70,000 pay lower if he leaves Old Trafford.
With the 30-year-old in rivalry to play within the Red Devils’ season opener in opposition to Wolves, he has but to resolve whether or not to maneuver to the East London crew.
Maguire has dropped down the pecking order in Ten Hag’s beginning eleven, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof favored over him.
The United boss took the captain’s armband from Maguire earlier this summer time, however instructed there may be nonetheless a place for him at Man United, supplied he can ‘prove’ he can nonetheless carry out on the highest stage.
Erik Ten Hag believes that Harry Maguire (proper) should ‘prove’ that he can carry out on the high stage
The Dutch supervisor stated Maguire has “the ability to be a top class centre-back” and in addition stated he was “happy with him”.
Still, he added that if Maguire can not battle for his place within the crew, he ought to go away the membership
“He has the ability to become a top center central defender,” Ten Hag stated at a press convention.
“He’s the best for England, so why shouldn’t he be the best for us?
But he has to prove it. If he doesn’t have enough confidence to fight, then he has to go, then he has to make a decision. But I’m happy with him.’
The centre-back, who made a world record £80 million transfer to Man United for a defender in 2019, is under contract with the club until 2025 and could choose to stay and complete the rest of his deal.
Last season, the defender played just 16 Premier League games for the club, of which only eight started.
It’s a stark contrast to his 2021/22 season, which saw Maguire appear in 30 Premier League games, starting in 28 of those.
While it remains uncertain whether Maguire will choose to leave Old Trafford, Ten Hag could offer Jonny Evans a short-term contract, while the club has also been linked with several other players.
It comes as the club turned down a bid for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard on Sunday, with United also losing out to Fred, who will leave the club in a £13 million move to Fenerbache.
It comes as Maguire (left-centre) has yet to decide whether to stay at Man United after the club accepted a £30 million bid for him from the London club.
The Red Devils have also brought in a number of new talents, including Andre Onana, Mason Mount and new striker Rasmus Hojlund.
And Ten Hag claimed he was happy with their affairs so far, but did see some of the large sums of money being paid for players during the transfer window, with Chelsea agreeing to a £115 million fee for Moises Caicedo.
“A year ago we did a benchmark and there were only five players above £60 million,” stated the Dutch supervisor.
‘Now you see all over the place that many golf equipment make investments excessive charges of their choice. The competitors may be very powerful within the Premier League, however we’re pleased with the squad we’ve constructed.”
