Erik ten Hag has admitted that Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire may leave the club this summer if he is not satisfied with his role in the squad. Maguire has started just eight league games this season, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez preferred at the back. Victor Lindelof has been chosen in Martinez’s absence since his season-ending injury, while Luke Shaw has also been shifted inside this season.
Despite losing his place at United, Maguire has remained central to Gareth Southgate’s England plans, but the Three Lions boss has suggested that situation may change if Maguire is not playing regularly for his club in the future. Ten Hag has praised Maguire’s professionalism and status as club captain, but admits ‘no one would be happy’ in his current circumstances.
Maguire started United’s final league game of the season against Fulham, but is expected to return to the bench for Saturday’s FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City. Ten Hag said: ‘Yes, but he [Maguire] has high competition there with Raphaël Varane [at centre back], who’s fantastic. That describes everything. No one would be happy with this situation. He is not as well. He trains always on best levels, so with 100 per cent effort. So he handles that situation well and he’s in that manner and in his captaincy he’s important for the squad.’
When asked if Maguire will stay, ten Hag added: ‘Let’s say I’m happy he’s here and when we needed him he did his job. But it’s also a decision he has to make.’ Maguire himself said: ‘We have a lot of competition for places and that’s what a big club needs. Lots of strength in depth. I think you’ve seen today, after 20 minutes, it was a really positive performance. Lads who stepped in, lads who haven’t played as much and I think the manager and his staff can rely upon us and know that, if he makes changes, we can do the job, so it’s good to be part of this squad. I think if we’re going to be successful this season and next season and the season after, we’re going to need a big squad.’
