Manchester United's coach, Erik ten Hag, says Harry Maguire faces a significant decision about his future with the club.
Italy's Giovanni Di Lorenzo (L) vies with England's Harry Maguire during the League A Group 3 match at the 2022 UEFA Nations League in Milan, Italy, Sept. 23, 2022. (Photo by Federico Tardito/Xinhua)
Though Maguire has a contract with Manchester United that runs until 2025 and continues to be a key part of the England squad, national team coach Gareth Southgate recently suggested that his international place could be at risk due to only playing 16 times in the Premier League.
Despite also featuring seven times in the Europa League, Maguire's lack of sharpness led to errors in his team's quarterfinal defeat to Sevilla, underlining the need for the towering defender to see more action.
However, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane ranking higher in the Old Trafford pecking order, Ten Hag concedes that it won't be straightforward for the imposing defender.
"No one would be content with this situation," the coach mentioned in an interview with The Times.
The former Ajax boss acknowledged that Maguire was also dissatisfied with not playing every week but maintained that "he consistently trains at peak levels, putting in 100% effort. He manages that situation well and his captaincy makes him important to the squad."
"He's up against stiff competition from Raphael Varane, who's fantastic. Let's say I'm pleased he's here and when we needed him, he performed. But it's also a decision he has to make," the coach commented.
Ten Hag was also queried about the future of David de Gea after the goalkeeper made some errors this campaign. He assured that the 32-year-old would be at Manchester United for the 2023-24 season but refrained from making any further guarantees.
"I won't say he will always be my number one, because in a club like United there should be competition for all positions," he explained.
