Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes each of his players must prove they are first team material.

Ten Hag was asked about the future of certain fringe players who are not starting as often as they would prefer.

This week, the Dutchman has bluntly told England defender Harry Maguire that he must prove to the coaching staff that he is good enough.

"It's up to him," Ten Hag stated to reporters on Maguire's playing time.

"He knows what I expect from him.

"I've been here for one year now and you know what I expect from a center half. And he can do it, I've told you many times before he has the ability to do it so now he has to show it.

"It is then about character, to be convinced to play that role, he has all the abilities to do it and it is up to him when the time [opportunity] is there.

"Harry is a player for us, I am happy he is here, we need a good squad, we have four good center halves - including Luke Shaw we have five - and we need it because we are going to play 50-60 games this season.

"All the players are internationals, so we have a very heavy load to cover so I am happy Harry Maguire is here."