‘He’s ready to perform on the highest level’: Erik ten Hag backs Harry Maguire to be a success

Erik ten Hag has supported Harry Maguire to be ready to play for England at the World Cup but understands why his Manchester United team-mate Jadon Sancho has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s roster.

Southgate have maintained confidence in Maguire despite his form and fitness issues for United. The 29-year-old defender made only his fifth start of the season in Thursday’s Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

It has raised concerns that Maguire will not be competitive for the World Cup after being blamed for two of England’s goals in a 3-3 draw against Germany at Wembley in September.

Erik ten Hag says he is not worried about Harry Maguire’s ability to play at the highest level

Maguire was included in England’s World Cup squad, despite minutes-long struggle at United

But Ten Hag has no doubts that his captain will be ready for the tournament, despite his preference for Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof in United’s central defense this season.

‘I think so, he is ready, yes,’ said the Dutchman. “I see him every day in training, I see him in games. He came back from injury but is ready to perform at the highest level.”

However, Sancho was not part of the England squad this season after an illness and injury. He has not played for three weeks and has missed the last four games.

Magure has been a key figure for Gareth Southgate and will want to prove the doubters wrong

Jadon Sancho was left out of Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar

Ten Hag believes it will be very difficult for Southgate to pick him over other forwards such as James Maddison, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and United team-mate Marcus Rashford.

‘It has been through trial and error’, adds Ten Hag. “He had some really good performances and I think he was on the right track.

“But in recent weeks he has struggled with illness and then it is normal that you are not selected because every manager only takes fit players to the World Cup.”

With Portuguese star Ronaldo and Brazilian Antony both doubting United’s trip to Fulham on Sunday for the final game before the World Cup, Ten Hag insisted his selection should not be swayed by thoughts about the tournament in Qatar.

“I think the players are all aware of the importance of the game against Fulham and I will not make it to the World Cup” [into consideration],’ he said.

“We are playing against the best team and until Sunday it is in the interest of Manchester United and only for Manchester United.”

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro doubt United’s last pre-World Cup game