Harry Maguire didn't play for Manchester United against Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon due to suspension.
United's captain, who made a mistake in the team's 3-0 loss to Sevilla on Thursday night, was handed a suspension for the Wembley game after receiving two yellow cards earlier in the tournament. He was booked during the quarter-final win against Fulham.
Maguire's absence, as well as injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, forced United boss Erik ten Hag to play Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw at centre-back against Brighton. Aaron Wan-Bissaka played at right-back, while Diogo Dalot slotted in at left-back.
Maguire has endured a difficult campaign for United after falling behind Varane and Martinez in the pecking order. He missed only four Premier League games during his first two seasons at Old Trafford but has featured just 13 times in the division this term.
Ten Hag's frustration with Maguire was obvious after the 3-0 defeat to Sevilla. The 30-year-old defender, who was signed for £80million in August 2019 was at fault for Youssef En-Nesyri's opening goal, as his pass to Wan-Bissaka was cut out by Eric Lamela.
Ten Hag told BT Sport after the game: "It’s clear. When we make such mistakes, it’s difficult to win a football game. It’s a problem and we have to acknowledge it... you have seen what I have seen. We were not composed or calm."
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Maguire could be sold this summer, with Ten Hag considering axing 12 players from his squad. The former Sheffield United, Hull and Leicester star will need to have a solid end to the campaign if he's to convince Ten Hag he has a future at Old Trafford.
Maguire has previously stated his desire to play more often. The England international told BT Sport in March: "Listen, I work hard at the training ground and that’s only what you can do. You can work hard in training, I put everything into training."
Maguire added: "Obviously, I want to play more. I want to start more games but I’m playing my part on and off the field and it’s nice to get out there, leading the team and getting the victory which is the most important thing for myself and the club."
Rio Ferdinand has previously suggested Ten Hag will sell Maguire if a club comes in for him. United will struggle to recuperate the £80m they paid for him. "If there is takers I think Erik ten Hag lets him go," Ferdinand told Vibe with Five last September.
The United legend added: "I think he’ll want to go, if he isn’t playing I don’t think he wants to sit there – there are other people who have chosen to sit there when they aren’t playing and that’s fine, but I don’t think Harry Maguire is one of those guys."
Ferdinand continued: "He loves football and wants to play, and he’ll have an open and honest conversation with the manager."
