Erik ten Hag sends brutal warning to Harry Maguire as Man United exit looms

Erik ten Hag has sent a brutal warning to Harry Maguire ahead of Manchester United's first game of the season.

Man United begin their 2023/24 Premier League campaign at home to Wolves tonight.

Summer signings Mason Mount and Andre Onana are likely to feature, having joined from Chelsea and Ajax respectively.

But the chances of Maguire getting a run out at Old Trafford appear slim, with the defender heavily linked with a move away from the club ahead of the transfer deadline.

He's been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with West Ham United hoping to acquire the England international.

And Ten Hag believes the 30-year-old would be better off leaving Man United if he's not confident enough to fight for a first-team spot.

"He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back," said the Dutchman.

"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 fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision. But I'm happy with him."

Maguire played second fiddle to the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez last season as he made 16 league appearances.

His future seems to lie away from Man United and a potential sale could generate more funds for Ten Hag to recruit new talent ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

The Red Devils have also signed Rasmus Hojlund and the 53-year-old is happy with the club's business this summer.

"One year ago we did a benchmark and there were only five players above £60m," he added.

"Now you see all over many clubs investing high rates in their squads. The competition is very tough in the Premier League but we are happy with the squad we constructed."