‘A decision he has to make’ – Erik ten Hag opens the door for Harry Maguire to leave Manchester United this summer
Posted by  badge Boss on May 29, 2023 - 08:20PM
Maguire has started just eight league games this season (Picture: Getty)

admits may leave this summer if he is unsatisfied with a squad role next season.

with and Lisandro Martinez the manager’s first choice pairing at the back.

Maguire is now effectively United’s fifth choice option at the back with Victor Lindelof preferred in Martinez’s absence since the Argentine’s season-ending injury with Luke Shaw also shifted inside this season.

The former Leicester City star has remained central to Gareth Southgate’s England plans despite losing his place at United but the

In all, Maguire has started just 16 games in all competitions this season and while ten Hag admires his professionalism and status as club captain, he admits ‘no one would be happy’ in those current circumstances.

Ten Hag told : ‘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.

Maguire started the final league game of the season against Fulham (Picture: Getty)

‘So he handles that situation well and he’s in that manner and in his captaincy he’s important for the squad.’

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 started United’s final league game of the season in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Fulham but is expected to return to the bench for Saturday’s FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City.

‘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,’ Maguire said.

‘[We had] 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.’

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