Man Utd boss Ten Hag insists out-of-favour Maguire isn't 'fifth-choice' centre-back and can fight for place

• Maguire down the pecking order at United
• Ten Hag opens door to return
• Says he has to continue to fight

WHAT HAPPENED? The centre-back has found himself on the bench more often than not this season having featured in just eight Premier League games. He has finished a game just four times and has been an unused substitute on seven separate occasions as Ten Hag continues to prefer the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and even Luke Shaw. He last played for United on the January 14, getting a solitary minute in the derby win over Manchester City.

His Old Trafford career isn't yet over though. A good World Cup with England showed he still has what it takes to compete at the top level and his manager insists he's still part of his plans.

WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking before the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Reading, Ten Hag said: "Harry Maguire? He’s not our fifth choice. Harry has to fight for his position and things can change - sometimes also really quickly. I think he is making progress and it’s up to him now.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Maguire's role in the United side this season bears a stark contrast to last. During the 2021-22 season the defender, who is still the club captain, clocked in over 2,500 minutes in the Premier League compared to just 383 so far this time around.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Getty

Getty

Getty

WHAT NEXT FOR MAGUIRE? As Ten Hag continues to rotate and tinker with his side in order to manage game time in what is a hectic period for the club, Maguire will likely feature against Reading in the FA Cup.