Erik ten Hag tells Harry Maguire to leave Manchester United if he lacks confidence to fight for his place

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has bluntly told Harry Maguire if he lacks the confidence to regain his place then he should leave.

United accepted a £30million offer for Maguire from West Ham United last week but the England international is set to be available for selection in their opening Premier League fixture against Wolves on Monday night.

Maguire was stripped of the captaincy last month, having been dropped from the first XI last August, and the 30-year-old was loudly booed by fans after his error led to Athletic Bilbao's goal in United's final pre-season friendly in Dublin a week ago.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are Ten Hag's first-choice partnership and the Dutchman started Victor Lindelof ahead of Maguire in United's run-in last season. United intend to recruit a centre-back if Maguire is sold.

Also read: Ten Hag drops hint on Henderson's future

"For Harry, he has to fight for his place," Ten Hag 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.

"We don’t have a squad with 11 players. Last year proved definitely we need all the players, so you need high-level players who are maybe not starting but that can change, so there is an internal competition and everyone has to fight for his place.

"For many players that counts, when they are good they will get their games but no one can play all the games and finally, you find out what is the best team.

"In the squad now, all the positions are double and every player has the perspective to fight for his place. Then you have