LONDON – Erik ten Hag will not guarantee Harry Maguire extended playing time before the World Cup as the Manchester United defender tries to cement his place in England’s starting line-up.
Maguire looks sure to make England’s World Cup squad, but his lack of recent appearances for United makes it less certain he will start for Gareth Southgate’s team in Qatar.
The centre-back, a cornerstone of England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, has been out of favour at United for much of the season after his dismal form saw ten Hag replace him with Raphael Varane, who has played the majority of games alongside summer signing Lisandro Martinez.
Varane’s recent injury against Chelsea allowed Maguire to regain his place for United’s Premier League win against West Ham last weekend, but only because Victor Lindelof was ill. The latter returned for the team’s Europa League win away to Real Sociedad on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, ten Hag refused to promise Maguire would get a run in the team before the World Cup, especially with Lindelof now fit.
“I have to think about it. I have to see Aston Villa, and it’s going to be difficult because we don’t know, it’s a new manager (Unai Emery). So I have to have a look and analyse that team and then we have a choice,” he said on Friday.
“But, I just said, Licha (Martinez) and Victor, they played really well together over some more games but I think also Licha and Harry (did well) on Sunday against West Ham United. Also a clean sheet.
“It’s a choice I make. When I choose one, there is nothing against the other.”
Maguire could go to the World Cup with only one Premier League start in the last three months if he is on the bench for United’s matches against Aston Villa and Fulham before the tournament begins on Nov 20.
“We have to win as Manchester United, clear, and I hope that we perform well and that the England manager takes as many players as possible from Manchester United,” ten Hag added.
Besides Varane, United could be without Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, while Bruno Fernandes is suspended.
Emery, meanwhile, said he had the ambition to bring Villa more silverware and play in Europe but it would take time and patience.
“My dream is to win a trophy with Aston Villa. And my second dream, could be to play with Aston Villa in Europe,” he said.
AFP, REUTERS
