Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has reiterated that he is planning to keep Harry Maguire at the club this summer amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maguire has had the captaincy taken away from him this summer, and West Ham United continue to be linked with a move for the defender.
The Hammers are believed to have failed with a £20m offer for the 30-year-old over the weekend, and a recent report claimed that David Moyes's side are unlikely to return with a higher bid.
Maguire only started eight Premier League matches last season and is thought to be open to leaving this summer if the right opportunity presents itself, but he still has another two years left to run on a contract which improved in terms of salary earlier this summer.
The England international is behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order for the centre-back positions, and there remains speculation surrounding his future.
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However, Ten Hag recently said that he wants to keep hold of the former Sheffield United youngster, and the Dutchman has now challenged the defender to battle for a regular spot next term.
"It's nothing against Harry (taking the captain's armband away), it was to the advantage of the team, but I will not say that Harry isn't part of this group. He has to fight for his position," ESPN quotes Ten Hag as saying.
"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.
"Didn't I play him? Look at his competition. It's tough when you're competing with Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof. It's huge competition, but 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.
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"Maguire has to show he is better for the team than Varane or Lindelof. I think that's a normal situation in top football.
"When you are at Man United, you have to fight for your position, bring your skills, prove you are the best for the team and contribute the most."
Maguire, who moved to Old Trafford from Leicester City in the summer of 2019, made 31 appearances for Man United last season, with just 16 of those arriving in the Premier League, and there is not an obvious route for him back into the side in the new campaign.
The defender has been involved in his side's preparations for the new season, making his first start of the summer against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday evening, with the Red Devils suffering a 3-2 defeat to the Bundesliga giants.
Matt Law
