Man Utd legend accuses Ten Hag of "taking the p***" out of Maguire

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed he would feel 'disrespected' in Harry Maguire's position at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag selecting Luke Shaw ahead of him at centre-back on several occasions.

Maguire struggled for game time in the first half of the 2022/23 season, before injury ruled him out for two months.

He did, however, recover in time for England's World Cup campaign, and was entrusted to start every game of the tournament by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

The 29-year-old was one of England's best players in Qatar, and he was named in the Team of the Tournament by Sky Sports.

Upon his return to Old Trafford, fans speculated over whether his form would result in Ten Hag giving him a more prominent role at United.

But he was on the bench for the side's post-World Cup Premier League clashes against Nottingham Forest - he had a virus prior to the game - and Wolves, with Shaw preferred on the left side of central defence.

Explaining his decision to play Shaw in that role, Ten Hag said: "I thought it was the best match with Rapha [Varane] and Shaw [against Wolves].

"Especially defending-wise. We know the speed from Wolves over on the right side, and he [Shaw] could cover that because we wanted to attack over on the left side with offensive game from Tyrell Malacia, so that was a good fit."

Maguire returned to the starting XI for the 3-0 win over Bournemouth, but Ten Hag decided to again play Shaw in his position for the 3-1 FA Cup win over Everton on Friday.

But Ferdinand believes Maguire should be playing, and has advised him to depart Old Trafford.

Ferdinand on Ten Hag, Maguire

Ferdinand told his Vibe with FIVE podcast (quotes via Daily Mirror): "If you're him, you have to leave now.

"Luke Shaw's playing centre-back instead of him. That's like me going back after the World Cup, playing well, everyone saying, 'He's done really well', and [then] Patrice Evra is playing centre-back.

"I'd want to strangle Patrice! I would have smashed Patrice in training to make sure he's not available, and I'd be going to the manager and saying, 'Are you taking the p*** out of me, boss?'

"I'd have walked straight into the manager's office and said, 'You're disrespecting me'. Harry Maguire's got to move. I think he stays because of the games and they can't get someone else in. He plays in the cup games."

Maguire was linked with a move to Aston Villa last week after being spotted near their training ground, but it was later revealed that the centre-back would not be joining Unai Emery's side.