I’m happy you’re here – Ten Hag tells Maguire

Despite Manchester United accepting a £30 million ($38 million) offer from West Ham for Harry Maguire, the English defender chose to reject the move due to disagreements over personal terms. This decision places Maguire as United’s fourth-choice center-back, positioned behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof, after Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, had already stripped him of the captaincy due to limited Premier League starts last season.

Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with Maguire’s continued presence, stating, “I am happy Harry Maguire is here. He is going to have to fight for his position as does everyone in the squad.” He emphasized that Maguire possesses the necessary abilities to thrive and encouraged him to prove his worth on the field.

Despite Maguire being an unused substitute in United’s season-opening victory against Wolves, Ten Hag remained resolute in his expectations for the player. He urged Maguire to showcase his character and determination to earn a spot in the first-team lineup, acknowledging the team’s need for a robust defensive rotation throughout the demanding season.

In a potential twist, Jonny Evans, aged 35, might still secure a permanent return to United, even in the presence of Maguire. Discussions are ongoing with the former United center-back, who watched the Wolves game from the director’s box at Old Trafford. Ten Hag affirmed, “In this moment, he is not [under contract], but we are talking.”

United’s recent internal investigation into Mason Greenwood, who has been suspended since January 2022, has caused a stir among fans. Greenwood was initially facing charges that were subsequently discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service six months ago.