Harry Maguire explains why he stayed at Manchester United

Harry Maguire feels vindicated by staying at Manchester United now he is their first-choice centre-back again.

Maguire started his eighth consecutive game for United in the 1-0 Premier League win over Brighton, having been available for transfer in the summer.

United accepted a £30million offer from West Ham United but Maguire rejected United's pay-off of £6m as recompense for a shortfall in wages.

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The 30-year-old has regained his place in recent weeks and is manager Erik ten Hag's preferred centre half on the right side of defence over Raphael Varane.

When asked if his form had vindicated his decision to remain at United, Maguire said: "Of course. I obviously played a few games last year, 16 or 17 I think it was - starts. And I actually felt like I performed really well in the games that I played in, I just didn’t play as many as I would have liked.

"But, on the other hand, Rapha and Licha (Martinez) were playing brilliantly and keeping numerous clean sheets so I had to bide my time, I had to be patient.

"I had two or three opportunities last year to get a run of games in and actually broke down with illness, broke down twice with injuries. So I never got the rhythm, never got the run of games that I could prove myself to the manager. I’ve got that now.

"I played the last I don’t know how many games and I really enjoy my football and really enjoy playing for this club. So, yeah, I was willing to stay and fight for my place.

"We’ve got, I believe, four or five top international centre-backs at the club and the competition for places is really hard."

Although Maguire only started 16 times for United last term, he believes