Posted: 14:42, 17 August 2022 | Updated: 15:55, 17 August 2022
Manchester United manager Erik ten Haag is reportedly considering axing captain Harry Maguire for the visit of Liverpool on Monday night. The England international has started both of United’s Premier League games so far this season, which have resulted in defeats to Brighton and Brentford, leaving them bottom of the table for the first time since August 1992. Maguire has played alongside United’s new £55.3m signing Lisandro Martinez in both of those games, but that could all change when they face the Reds as they look to turn their fortunes around. Manchester United captain Harry Maguire could retire for next visit to Liverpool New boss Erik ten Hag started Maguire in both of United’s first two league defeats The former Ajax boss is said to be considering the prospect of starting new boy Martinez alongside Raphael Varane, who is almost certain to be recalled, according to the Manchester Evening News. The same report suggests that the players already feel that Ten Haag’s approach does not suit their skill set and have their own ideas on how they should approach the game against Liverpool. United struggled against Jurgen Klopp’s side last season, suffering a 5-0 defeat at Old Trafford and then losing 4-0 at Anfield later in the campaign. Ten Hag ponders the prospect of starting Raphael Varane (left) with Lisandro Martinez (right) against Liverpool Maguire was previously dropped from the starting line-up by interim manager Ralf Rangnick for the Red Devils’ 3-1 defeat by Arsenal in April. The 29-year-old has retained his captaincy under the new boss despite coming under heavy criticism last season and even had fans calling for his armband to be removed. In pre-season, Ten Haag claimed that Maguire and Martinez would be his first choice for a centre-back partnership. United’s players already feel incoming boss Ten Hag’s approach doesn’t suit their skill set “We’re bringing him in not to strengthen the team, but the team,” Ten Haag said of Martinez. “Is Maguire first choice? I think it is. He has proven it in the past, but he has to prove it in the present time and in the future. “How many times has he played? Sixty times for England? It’s a career that’s really impressive and I expect a lot from him. But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Manchester United needs. United take on Liverpool on Monday night as Ten Haag’s side look for a much-needed win.
