Harry Maguire opens up on situation at Man United amid centre-back competition

Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has vowed to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place in the side after falling down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.

The Reds captain, who has started every single match for England so far at the World Cup, has struggled for minutes at club level this season and has made just nine appearances in all competitions. Despite this, he has been one of the Three Lions' best performers at the tournament in Qatar and has remained a key part of Gareth Southgate's squad.

However, his showings have not been replicated in a United shirt and he has regularly found himself among the substitutes under Ten Hag so far this campaign. With Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane having formed a strong partnership at the heart of the defence, a return to the starting line-up appears unlikely for Maguire in the near future.

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While the 29-year-old has been tentatively linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent months, he has been keen to downplay these rumours and is hoping to use the World Cup as a way to get back into the Reds side.

"We have a good strength in depth in that central defence at my club, but I'm going to fight to get back into the team because I don't like not playing," he told reporters ahead of England's match against Senegal.

"I'm in good form. In the last few games for Manchester United, I've played well in them and won both of my last two games.

"But I've just found myself out due to the centre-backs there playing well and they're excellent players."

Maguire was also keen to admit that his performances at club level have not been at the required standard, but insisted that he will continue to strive to improve under Ten Hag.

He added: "First and foremost, I listen to the people who I should listen to - my family, my friends, the coaches, the managers I have and I listen to my team-mates as well. I know how valued I am in this team. I know what the staff think of me in this team and the role that I have in this team, so that breeds confidence and trust.

"There is a level of scrutiny that defenders get now, with analysis on each goal. There's always someone at fault and I think that's where the defenders are at the moment."

Maguire is set to start for Southgate's side against Senegal in the Round of 16 clash on Sunday evening. He has been impressive at centre-back alongside Manchester City ace John Stones.
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