After rejecting January offers for Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, Erik ten Hag has assured him that he will see plenty of game time this season.
Maguire was dropped from United’s starting lineup in August after a humiliating 4-0 loss at Brentford.
While ten Hag has rotated his backline since the beginning of the season, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been his consistent first-choice pairing, with the club captain starting only two league games since then.
In a damning indictment of Maguire’s first-team chances, United manager Jose Mourinho has also turned to Luke Shaw to fill in at centre-half, with the left-back moved inside for the Manchester derby win in January.
Maguire is now effectively the fourth choice in the United squad, with Victor Lindelof also competing for games.
According to recent reports, he is one of six players on whom United will try to cash in this summer, with clubs expressing interest in the January transfer window.
United turned down an offer from West Ham United last month, and Inter Milan also wanted to take the England international on loan until the end of the season.
According to The Sun, ten Hag told Maguire this week that he is still firmly in his plans and that he will have opportunities to impress with United fighting on four fronts this season.
Maguire’s attitude in training and reaction to losing his place in the team have impressed United’s manager, who has assured him that he will be given opportunities.
United have secured a place in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on February 26 and will face West Ham United in the FA Cup fifth round.
Before that, they face Barcelona in a two-legged Europa League play-off, with the club hoping to maintain their place in the Premier League’s top four.
With their win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, United moved ahead of Newcastle, who are now eight points behind leaders Arsenal following their defeat at Everton.
Ten Hag’s side will play back-to-back league games against Leeds before visiting the Camp Nou on Thursday, February 16th.
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