Erik ten Hag explains why Maguire was left OUT of Man Utd squad vs Tottenham as two stars forced to play out of position
HARRY MAGUIRE is OUT of Manchester United’s squad to play Tottenham with two players forced to play out of position.
The defender was not named in the side that travels to struggling Tottenham looking for breathing space in the top four.
Maguire is sidelined with injury and instead, Luke Shaw has shifted over to centre-back.
And covering at left-back is Diogo Dalot, despite regularly playing on the right.
Shaw partners Victor Lindelof with Raphael Varane also out with an ankle injury that threatens to rule him out for the rest of the season.
And Lisandro Martinez has already been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign following a broken metatarsal bone in his foot.
It is not the first time Shaw has moved to a central position this season, having played there numerous times.
Erik ten Hag told BT Sport Maguire was left out because of a “training injury”.
United are five points above fifth-placed Aston Villa – with three games in hand.
And they also sit six points ahead of hosts Spurs, who are without a win in three following consecutive defeats.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Asked if the game is a good opportunity to strengthen United’s position in the top four, Ten Hag said: “Yes it is when you see the table.
“But we have to think about the game. We have to show we are very hungry, play on the front foot and show that we are determined.”