Erik ten Hag says Harry Maguire still has an important role at Manchester United, but his focus is on getting results for Manchester United and not securing the defender a place in England’s squad.
The 29-year-old has not played since 28 September when he picked up a thigh injury in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany.
He had not been starting in the Premier League for United before that international break, limited to games, which had already put his World Cup place in question.
England boss Gareth Southgate stuck by the centre-back by playing him against Italy and Germany, but injury has set him back again.
Now back in training and pushing to play against Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford on Thursday, he is hoping to prove he is back to match fitness as soon as possible.
Ten Hag says Maguire is in contention to play, but he will only be thinking about what is best for Manchester United when he picks his teams.
‘He always will play an important role,’ Maguire told a press conference on Wednesday of Maguire.
‘He was injured, I’m happy he’s on the way back. Now he has to get back into games.
‘I understand the (England) interest but we look at . We have to get the right results and performances, that is the main objective.’
Maguire’s chances of playing have been improved as Raphael Varane is out with a muscular injury, which Ten Hag confirmed would keep the Frenchman sidelined until the World Cup.
On whether Maguire will be playing in the Europa League on Thursday, Ten Hag said: ‘After training I will make a decision.’
The England defender has six Manchester United games to prove his fitness and form to Southgate before the World Cup, three Premier League contests, two Europa League and one EFL meeting with Aston Villa.
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