Erik ten Hag has told Harry Maguire he must fight for his place at Manchester United or leave.
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His message comes at a time where the former United captain appears to be close to a move to West Ham after the two clubs agreed a £30million fee for the defender.
However, while the Irons are confident they can complete the transfer, they must still agree personal terms with the 30-year-old, who is reportedly unsure about the move.
Under Ten Hag, Maguire has fallen far down the pecking order at Old Trafford and is now effectively third-choice in both centre-back positions.
He started just eight Premier League matches last season, was stripped off the armband this summer, and has been told by Gareth Southgate that he must secure regular game time if he is to keep his place in the England squad.
And just ahead of United’s first game of the 2023/24 campaign against Wolves on Monday, the Dutch manager has given Maguire an ultimatum – up your game or go.
‘We don’t have the squad with 11 players, last year proved definitely we need all the players so you need some high level players who are maybe not starting but that can change so there is an internal competition, everyone has to fight for his place,’ Ten Hag said.
‘Every player when they were good, they will get their games but no one can play all the games and finally you find out what is the best team.
‘In the squad now, all the positions are double and every player has the perspective to fight for his place. It is up to the players if they have game time or less.
‘For Harry, that is just how I described it. He has to fight for his place. He has the ability to be first choice centre-back, he is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us — he has to prove it.
‘When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to make a decision and go.’
Maguire’s chances of staying at Old Trafford could be worsened though as United are looking at signing another centre-back before the transfer window shuts.
Benjamin Pavard is top of their list but Bayern Munich have rejected the Red Devils’ opening offer for the French World Cup winner, with talks set to continue.
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