Erik Ten Hag fires strong warning to Harry Maguire as Man United boss showers praise on Varane

• Erik ten Hag has warned being captain does not warrant a starting berth in his side when asked about Maguire's chances of returning to the lineup while showering praise on Varane
• The United boss made a drastic decision as he resolved to start Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the heart of the defence ahead of club captain Maguire against Liverpool
• Maguire is likely to start from the bench for Manchester United in Saturday's early kick-off against Southampton

Harry Maguire could face an extended spell on the Man United bench after manager Erik ten Hag revealed being captain does not guarantee a spot in his starting lineup.

Following defeats against Brighton and Brentford, Ten Hag ringed the changes to his side for the tie against arch-enemy, Liverpool last Monday.

The coach's alteration to his lineup affected Maguire, who sat out in the club's last league game which resulted in an impressive win against Jurgen Klopp's charges.

Ilkay Gundogan's salary, house, cars, contract, dating, net worth, age, stats

Football

Raphael Varane was drafted in Maguire's stead and the Frenchman put in a man-of-the-match performance against Liverpool, which has drawn praises from Ten Hag.

When quizzed about the English defender’s hopes of returning to the side, Ten Hag said via Metro:

"I don’t think it means that when you are captain you are established to play always, especially when you also have Varane in your squad,’’

"There is competition, and we need that. Varane’s stature is immense. When the team needed him, he was there.

The Dutchman could not help but gush about Raphael Varane.

"His profile, stature and what he won in the past show he can really contribute. We have so many games and we can see from game to game what we need. There are many options."

Joao Felix's salary, house, cars, contract, dating, net worth, age, stats, and latest news

Football

United legend Rio Ferdinand backs Bruno Fernandes to replace Harry Maguire as captain

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Rio Ferdinand has backed Bruno Fernandes to replace Harry Maguire as the Manchester United captain.

Fernandes was temporarily handed the captaincy role during United's clash with Liverpool on Monday night, August 22.

The Portuguese midfielder was afforded the opportunity to captain the side after Erik ten Hag resolved to bench Maguire for the Old Trafford cracker.