Erik ten Hag confirms plan for Harry Maguire this season after comeback for Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has said that Harry Maguire must 'fight' to regain his starting position at Manchester United.

Although Maguire made his comeback from injury against FC Sheriff in the Europa League next week and he's available to play against West Ham on Sunday, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are expected to start at centre-back in that game.

Martinez and Raphael Varane have established a formidable partnership this season, but the latter is currently injured, which means Lindelof has returned to the side and Maguire now has the challenge of starting ahead of the Swede.

However, Ten Hag has been reluctant to change a winning team this campaign and he's warned Maguire must 'fight' to start.

"We have five games to go in a short period, so we need everyone but that's obvious," Ten Hag told Sky Sports. "I'm really happy Harry [Maguire] is back from his injury and now he has to fight for his position back in the team.

"I was really happy to give him the minutes yesterday [Thursday vs FC Sheriff] and he did well, so he will compete for those positions in the team and we have to win all of the games, so I'm happy he's available, ready and prepared to get in the team."

Ten Hag also commented on the disappointing start to the season, which saw defeats against Brighton and Brentford.

"I think it's too soon to go analyse and reflect. We are in a direction, especially when you are new, you have to get used to each other, we have to set a culture, to get used to players, the new coaching staff, new style of football, it takes time.

"But in football you never get time, you have to deliver, we are aware of it and at this moment we don't analyse, we don't set conclusions. We have to go from game to game and improve our game."