Harry Maguire Told to Fight for His Place at Manchester United or Consider a Move
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has issued a clear message to Harry Maguire: fight for your place in the team or make the decision to leave the club. Maguire, who is currently considering a move to West Ham United, has been given the ultimatum after a fee of £30 million was agreed between the two clubs for the England international.
Last season, Maguire’s opportunities at Old Trafford were severely limited, as he made just 16 appearances in the Premier League. As a result, Ten Hag made the decision to strip him of the club captaincy ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. However, with United aiming to compete on multiple fronts this season, including a return to the Champions League, Ten Hag believes that Maguire still has a chance to prove himself.
“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,” said Ten Hag. He emphasized that every player will get their chance to play, but no one can play all the games. The best team will be determined based on performance and players need to fight for their place. Ten Hag believes that Maguire has the ability to be the first-choice center-back and should strive to be the best for Manchester United, just as he is for England.
United has been active in the summer transfer market, bringing in three new players: Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund for a combined fee of over £160 million. Ten Hag is pleased with the backing he has received but admits that like most managers, he would still welcome more new faces before the transfer deadline in September.
“Managers always want more, I think every manager you ask wants more but it is more about the mentality and that you in top football have to demand the maximum,” Ten Hag explained. He emphasized that the fans expect the best from the team, so they always strive for the perfect situation, even though it may never be achieved.
Maguire’s future at Manchester United hangs in the balance as he weighs his options. The decision to fight for his place or seek a move to West Ham United will ultimately be up to him. However, with the competition for places in the squad and the team’s ambitions for the season, Ten Hag’s message is clear: prove yourself or make a decision and go.
In conclusion, Harry Maguire has been given a choice by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag: fight for his place in the team or consider a move away from the club. With limited opportunities last season and the club’s ambitions for the upcoming season, Maguire must decide how much football he is willing to fight for. As United continues to strengthen its squad in the transfer market, the competition for places will only increase. Maguire has the ability to be a key player for both club and country, but he must prove himself on the pitch. The ball is now in his court.