Erik ten Hag is digging his own Man Utd grave as boss 'wants star to leave' in January

Erik ten Hag is digging his own grave at Manchester United if he goes through with reported plans to offload Harry Maguire in January - if he is still in the job by the New Year. The Dutchman has endured countless issues with his centre-backs since taking charge in 2022; he can't afford to cut his numbers midway through the season.

Maguire has been linked with a United exit since Ten Hag's first summer transfer window, speculation fuelled by the arrivals of three new centre-backs under his watch.

Last year, West Ham United agreed a £30million deal for the England international two years ago, but issues with his contract pay-out blocked a move.

Maguire made just eight Premier League starts in Ten Hag's maiden campaign before being replaced as captain by Bruno Fernandes.

That appearance total increased to 18 last season due to a relentless injury crisis at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old ignored interest again in the summer to fight for his place, and he has featured even more prominently at the start of this term.

Leny Yoro's pre-season injury, Lisandro Martinez's slow start and Matthijs de Ligt's adaptation to English football have prompted Ten Hag to use Maguire in nine of United's 11 opening matches.

But the Red Devils boss reportedly wants to cash in on Maguire in January, welcoming offers as low as £10m for the defender.

That fee represents a coup for his suitors just five years after he became the most expensive defender in football history by joining from Leicester City for £80m.

He is also an established international - earning 67 caps for England and prominently featuring in Gareth Southgate's four major international tournaments in charge.

Maguire is into the final year of his £200,000-a-week contract, though, so time is running out for United to sell.

United would trigger the 12-month extension in his current deal if they fail to find a buyer in the winter, but there are bound to be takers for that price.

However, it'd be a major mistake. Ten Hag recalled Maguire to his starting lineup for the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa last time out, days after he rescued him with a last-gasp headed equaliser against FC Porto.

The Dutchman's decision to drop Martinez and De Ligt - both of whom he signed for a combined £100m - for his No. 5 and Jonny Evans at Villa Park was telling.

But the experienced duo outperformed Ten Hag's first-choice pairing and would have been in line to start together again if Maguire hadn't suffered a foot injury on the brink of half-time.

Once Yoro is ready to debut, United will have six senior centre-back options, with Victor Lindelof also in the final year of his contract.

Ten Hag can't complain, though, if his decision to axe Maguire is followed by a new wave of injuries, leaving Casemiro to cover in defence.