In light of reports suggesting that defender Harry Maguire is on the brink of finalising a move to West Ham, manager Erik ten Hag has expressed the view that if Maguire lacks the necessary confidence to compete for his spot, he should consider departing Manchester United.

Ten Hag had earlier removed the captain's armband from Maguire last month, primarily due to the 30-year-old's limited involvement in the previous Premier League season, having started only eight matches.

This came as central defensive preferences leaned towards Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof.

Recent information from British media has indicated that West Ham and Maguire have reached an agreement worth £30 million ($38.01 million) for the transfer. Maguire, whom United acquired from Leicester City for a record-breaking £80 million in 2019, originally became the world's most expensive defender.

"He has to fight for his place, and he has the abilities to be a top-class centre-back," Ten Hag told reporters. "He is the best for England, and I assume he will be the best for us, but he has to prove it.

"When he is not confident enough to go in and fight, then he has to go. He has to make a decision. But I am happy with him… You need high-level players who are maybe not starting, but that can change."

United host Wolves in their Premier League opener later on Monday.