Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to 'drop' Harry Maguire for the visit of Liverpool on Monday.
The Red Devils' club captain has come under intense scrutiny within the last year for below-par performances which led to the club recording their lowest-ever Premier League points tally last season. The former Leicester City defender retained the backing of new manager Ten Hag upon his arrival, however, having decided to keep the England international as the skipper of the side.
Maguire was booed by his own supporters during the club's recent pre-season tour and, along with the rest of his team-mates, has done little to ally fears of his quality after defeats to both Brighton and Brentford in the opening two matches of the season.
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Change could be on the way when the Red Devils take as the club consider taking the 29-year-old out of the firing line. The Manchester Evening News have claimed Ten Hag is debating recalling Raphael Varane to the starting-eleven to partner new signing Lisandro Martinez.
The report adds that dressing room sources have stated United players feel Ten Hag's approach does not 'suit their skill set' and a more 'pragmatic' approach is the preferred option as Jurgen Klopp's side prepare for their trip to Old Trafford. Maguire was named in both starting-elevens against Liverpool last season, part of a defensive unit that conceded nine goals in the two league meetings.
Ten Hag recently indicated Maguire and Martinez would be his first-choice partnership at the back. "We bring him in to not strengthen the squad, but the team," Ten Hag said of Martinez. "Is Maguire a first-choice? I think he is.
"He’s proved it in the past but he also has to prove it in the present time and in the future. He has played how many times? Sixty times for England? He is a career that is really impressive and I expect a lot from him. But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs."
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