Ten Hag Delivers Man Utd Bad News to Maguire With Shaw Admission

• Captain Harry Maguire could be nearing the end of his time at Manchester United
• Luke Shaw has been preferred at centre-back ahead of the most expensive defender
• Erik ten Hag's recent comments could spell the end for the former Leicester City man

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has endured a difficult time under new boss Erik ten Hag, since the Dutch coach took over the club in the summer ahead of the new season.

Maguire has dealt with injuries and illness coupled with disastrous form, which has seen him fall down the pecking order of centre-backs at the club before he went for the World Cup.

Ten Hag has experimented with midfielder Casemiro and left-back Luke Shaw in central defence since club football returned after the World Cup, and going by the manager's recent comment, there is no way back for the Red Devils captain.

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Bad news for Harry Maguire

Maguire international teammate Shaw has started in central defence in the games against Nottingham Forest and Wolves, with summer signing Tyrell Malacia filling in at left-back, as reported by Mirror.

The United manager has now praised the defender, claiming he offers a long-term option in the position. He said this while speaking ahead of the game against Bournemouth tomorrow, as quoted by Telegraph.

“We have seen the last two games, he has been fabulous. He has impressed but of course, we also know he is really good as a left full-back. It’s an extra option and that’s always good for a team,” he said.

He pointed out Shaw's speed, an attribute Maguire lacks, as a vital tool in combating Wolves and would be important in the long run for his high defensive line.

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“You look at the game plan, the way we had to approach Wolves, and I thought it was the best match with Rapha and Luke. Especially we knew the speed of Wolves from the right side and we could cover that, because we wanted to attack over the left side with our offensive game from Malacia.”

Ferdinand tells Maguire to leave

Sports Brief earlier reported that former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that Maguire should find a new club, after his recent snub.

The England international has been benched in the last three games, with out of position left-backs and midfielders preferred to him in central defence.

Ferdinand said the decision sends a message to the former Hull City player, who should be ringing his agent to find him a new club in the January transfer window.