In response to rumours that the defender is close to signing a deal to West Ham United, manager Erik ten Hag has stated that Harry Maguire should compete for his position.

Since Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof were favoured in central defence last season and Maguire, 30, made only eight Premier League starts, Ten Hag removed Maguire from his position as captain last month.

Maguire, who was acquired by United for 80 million pounds from Leicester City in 2019, has reportedly reached an agreement with West Ham on a contract for 30 million pounds ($38.01 million).

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“He has to fight for his place and he has the abilities to be a top-class centre back,” Ten Hag told reporters.

“He is the best for England and I assume he will be best for us, but he has to prove it.

“When he is not confident enough to go in and fight, then he has to go. He has to make a decision.

“But I am happy with him … You need high-level players who are maybe not starting, but that can change.”

Later on Monday, United will play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League debut.