Erik ten Hag drops new hint about Harry Maguire's Man Utd future
Erik ten Hag's favoured partnership in central defence this season has been Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, but the Dutchman remains adamant that Harry Maguire has a future at Manchester United.
The Red Devils have battled back from a difficult start to the season to climb into the Premier League's top four, and they remain in touching distance of title-chasing Arsenal and Manchester City.
But United's improvement has largely taken place with Maguire watching on from the bench. The 29-year-old has started just eight games for Ten Hag, and has instead looked on as Varane and Martinez cemented themselves as first choice options for the former Ajax boss.
Luke Shaw has even filled in ahead of Maguire, leading many to conclude that the world's most expensive defender doesn't have a long-term future at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag's latest comments, however, suggest he is happy with the progress of Maguire in training, and he reiterated his stance that United require strength in depth if they are to push on and achieve their ambitions.
"I’m really happy with Harry Maguire," Ten Hag said in his press conference before the clash with rivals Leeds.
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"I think he’s progressing really well and in the games he is playing, he is doing really well. But we have big competition. Harry is right-footed - a big competitor with Rapha Varane, who is also a brilliant player.
"But that is what we need if we want to restore Manchester United - we need top players but also double the players in every position because we want to play in so many leagues and so many competitions.
"We have certain positions we have a lack of quality and that can’t be, if you want to compete for the highest trophies."
Maguire has been linked with Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham in recent months, but has two years - with the option of another - remaining on his United contract.