Erik ten Hag asks Manchester United fans to 'help' Harry Maguire

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has called on fans to 'help and support' club captain Harry Maguire.

The 30-year-old defender has struggled for game time under Ten Hag since his arrival from Ajax last summer. In fact, he has made just eight Premier League starts this season, including an appearance against Fulham on Sunday.

Maguire is currently fourth choice in the centre-back pecking order behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof, who has impressed alongside the experienced Varane of late.

As a result of his poor form, the England international has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, has urged United's fan base to back their club captain during a recent interview with Stadium Astro.

“The fans have to help him and support him so that he gives his best version," the Dutchman said. "He works hard. I see it everyday in the gym and on the pitch. He’s performing and we’re happy with him.”

Ten Hag added: "I admire his qualities on the ball. His defending skills. His heading. His duals on the ground. He is really important to this team."

Back in March, the United boss said Maguire was improving as a leader.

"I am really happy with Harry’s progress, he is more dominant and dictating, taking more initiative in the training space," he said.

Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, thinks Maguire has to leave Old Trafford in the summer to revive his career for club and country.

"I think he needs to," the former United defender said on the FIVE YouTube podcast. "If he wants to resurrect his career he has to go in the summer.

"He cannot stay there and play second fiddle if he genuinely wants to stay as an England player and get back on track."

Thoughts on Maguire's future?

Let us know in the comments.