Erik ten Hag names two things Harry Maguire must do to return to the Man Utd first-team

Erik ten Hag has named the things Harry Maguire must do to return to the Manchester United first team.

Maguire endured a tumultuous first year under Ten Hag, which culminated in the England international being stripped of the United captaincy.

Upon the decision, Ten Hag explained: “It’s nothing against Harry, it was an advantage of the team. Then you make the decision.”

While Maguire only started eight Premier League games last season, United appear happy to keep the centre-back, who they signed for some £80million four years ago.

The 30-year-old was the subject of a £20million from West Ham last week, but the Old Trafford club rebuffed the approach.

While the Hammers are expected to make another bid in the coming days, Ten Hag has urged Maguire to fight for his place - a feat easier said than done with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, Ten Hag insisted that Maguire could make a sensational return to the first team provided he “proves himself” and “fights for his place”.

The Dutchman said: “I will not say that Harry isn’t part of this group. He has to fight for his position.

“He is a very good centre-back, and I believe in the potential of Harry Maguire. “It’s just that he has to prove himself and fight his way into the team. It’s up to him, and I think he can do it.

“See his competition, It’s tough when you’re competing with Rapha Varane and Victor Lindelof. It’s huge competition. That has nothing to do with the belief.

“I have often chosen a player ahead of Harry, that’s true. But that says nothing about me not believing in him. He has to show he is better for the team than Rapha or Victor. I think that’s a normal situation in top football.

“When you are at Man United you have to fight for your position and bring your skills in and prove you are the best for the team, and contribute the most.”