Erik ten Hag has issued Manchester United squad with clear warning

During Manchester United's most successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson there was quality throughout the squad, something which has been lacking in recent years.

Ferguson's men had an arrogance and confidence in their natural abilities which led to a belief among fans and a depth that allowed rotation and results. What has now been christened 'Fergie Time' came to being because of this reassurance supporters had about United pulling through even when the chips were firmly down.

Unfortunately, as results waned following Ferguson's retirement, the self-belief disintegrated and almost overnight there was a feeling United were not the invincible force once feared across the country, more a wounded animal ripe for preying.

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After managing to steady the ship last season, Erik ten Hag is trying to bring this culture back to the club. A clear marker of this came in the form of his recent comments about Harry Maguire.

"For Harry, he has to fight for his place," he said. "He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back, he is the best for England so why shouldn't he be the best for us?

"But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to go with that fight then he has to go, he has to make the decision. But I am happy with him."

This rather brutal assessment of Maguire's place in the team was a strong indication of the character and quality Ten Hag wants to see across the board. This was not just a message to his former captain, rather one directed at the entire squad. If you are not at the level then you will be