Published
on January 28, 2023
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, has challenged out-of-favour defender Harry Maguire to force his way into a starting role at the Red Devils.
Ten Hag said this while insisting that Maguire is not the club’s ‘fifth choice’ centre-back.
Maguire has seen his minutes reduced at Old Trafford since Ten Hag’s managerial takeover last year.
The England international has gone from being a regular starter last season to a consistent benchwarmer under Ten Hag so far this term.
The former Leicester City star has made just 15 appearances across all competitions for Ten Hag’s side this season, starting just four Premier League games during the club’s rise to fourth in the league standings.
Speaking ahead of Man United’s FA Cup tie with Reading on Saturday night, Ten Hag backed the 29-year-old to return to form but insisted it is up to him.
“No, he is not fifth choice,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference.
“But it is up to him. I have to say he is training very well and bringing quality, and that is what I expect from all the players in the squad.
“He has to fight for his position and things can change, sometimes also really quickly. I think he is making progress and it’s up to him.”
