Manchester United Coach Erik ten Hag has now sent a very clear message to his defenders ahead of next season, MySportDab reports.
Ten Hag has now warned Harry Maguire specifically that he is not guaranteed a first-team place because of being the captain.
The Dutch coach decided to keep Maguire as captain for next season despite his struggles last season.
However, the arrival of Lisandro Martinez has now provided more competition in the defence for the Red Devils.
Speaking about Maguire today, Ten Hag said: ‘Harry is a very impressive player that i expect a lot from.
‘The captaincy is an issue I can always address at any time without any problem.
‘Team building is very important for me and It’s good to have a group of leaders. The captain is an important player that I’m happy to use.’
But, Lisandro Martinez’s move to United will now apply more pressure on Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.
‘Harry is one of the good defenders we have,’ added Ten Hag.
‘He can play on both left and right because he is right-footed.
‘But there is also competition and that is very important at a club like Man United. You cannot win every match with 11 players. We need a squad, as we have many games to play.
‘He’s proved to be a first-choice player in the past but now he has to prove it in the present again and in the future for the team.
‘I will do my best to support him. In the end, he has to prove his quality by himself.’
Manchester United Fans were not exactly happy to know that Maguire would remain captain for next season.
There were suggestions that Ronaldo or De Gea should get the captain role instead.
