Erik ten Hag warns Harry Maguire he is not guaranteed a Manchester United starting spot despite retaining the captaincy… as he tells the England defender he must ‘prove’ his quality after Lisandro’s £55million arrival Martinez
Harry Maguire retains Manchester United captaincy under Erik ten Hag
The Dutchman describes the England international as ‘really impressive’
But he also warned that Maguire will have to fight for his place in the United team
The signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax increases competition for places
Ten Hag says he is not worried about the Argentine defender who is only 5ft 9in . is
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Erik ten Hag has warned Harry Maguire that his decision to keep the English defender as Manchester United captain does not guarantee him a place in the first team at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has given Maguire a voice of confidence by letting him hold the armband, even as the 29-year-old struggled for form last season.
“Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him,” said Ten Hag. “I always see the captaincy as a matter that I dictate.
Harry Maguire has retained the Manchester United captaincy under new boss Erik ten Hag
“Team building is an important point for me and I always talk about a group of leaders. The captain is a very important one and I’m happy to have him.’
However, Lisandro Martinez’s £55.3m transfer to United from Ajax will put more pressure on Maguire, with Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof providing even more competition for places in the central defence.
“We have good center halves and Harry is one of them,” added Ten Hag. “He can play left or right because he is right-footed.
Ten Hag described Maguire as ‘really impressive’ and said he was ‘happy’ with him as skipper
The England international struggled for form last season and was kicked out of the team
But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs. You can’t win with 11 players. We need a team, especially this season with so many games.
“I think he is (a first-choice player). He has proved it in the past, but he must also prove it in the present and in the future. I will support him where I can. Ultimately he has to do it himself and he has the qualities to do it.’
At six feet, Martinez is short for a central defender, especially one who is going to English football for the first time.
The arrival of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax creates more competition for places at Old Trafford
But Ten Hag said: ‘I don’t think he’s the tallest, but he’s pretty good in the air. I feel comfortable with that. Of course you need the right balance. He has good timing, that’s one of his abilities.
He also brings South American aggressiveness, control and spirit to the team. I think it will fit very well with Manchester United and the way we play.
“Last year I analyzed United in the left half of the defence. He is left footed and that is an advantage in possession and defense. We bring him in to strengthen the team, not the team.’