Erik still backs Maguire... as a Varane back-up

ERIK TEN HAG insists that Harry Maguire has a future at Manchester United.

The United boss has been delighted with Maguire’s attitude and application – despite having fallen behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof in Ten Hag’s pecking order.

Maguire, an £85million signing from Leicester in August 2019, has made just eight starts for the Reds this season.

But he kept his place in England’s World Cup squad despite his problems at Old Trafford – and was outstanding.

Ten Hag is refusing to write him off for United, and said: “I’m really happy with Harry Maguire. I think he’s progressing really well and in the games he is playing, he is doing really well.

“But we have big competition. Harry is right-footed – a big competitor with Rapha Varane, who is also a brilliant player.

“But that is what we need if we want to restore Manchester United – we need top players but also double the players in every position because we want to play in so many leagues and so many competitions.

“We have certain positions we have a lack of quality and that can’t be, if you want to compete for the highest trophies.”

Maguire (right) has just over two years left on his current United contract – with an option for a further 12 months.

He turned down the chance to go on loan to Inter Milan last month so he could stake his claim for a place in Ten Hag’s team.

There will be no shortage of interest in him in the summer – and it’s unlikely he will stay at Old Trafford as fourth choice despite Ten Hag’s positive messages in public.