Harry Maguire receives blow as Erik ten Hag admits Luke Shaw was 'FABULOUS' as centre-back vs Wolves

Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford is more in jeopardy after the emergence of Luke Shaw at centre-back.

Shaw played at the heart of United’s defense for the first time against Wolves and Nottingham Forest as Erik ten Hag’s side won two games without conceding.

The United manager paired Shaw with Raphael Varane without Lisandro Martinez because Maguire and Victor Lindelof were ill, and said the England left-back took his chance.

Luke Shaw (L) excelling at centre-back for Man United casts further doubt over Harry Maguire’s (R) future

However, Maguire was fit enough to come on as a late substitute in both matches, suggesting that Ten Hag’s decision to start his captain from the bench was also tactical.

Martinez is set to return to the United squad against Bournemouth at Old Trafford tonight following Argentina’s World Cup triumph, and is the first-choice partner for Varane.

But when asked if Shaw was now a long-term option at center back, Ten Hag said: ‘The last two games he’s been fantastic. He was impressed. It’s an additional option and that’s always good.

‘You have an idea, but sometimes circumstances change it like illnesses for Harry and Victor.

Erik ten Hag says Shaw was ‘amazing’ as he stood in central defense for 1-0 win over Wolves

Ten Hag said Maguire would have been part of United’s last two games had he not been ill

‘Usually they start games we’ve just played, but Casemiro was excellent at center half (in the Carabao Cup against Burnley) and Luke Shaw was excellent against Nottingham Forest. If you look at the game plan and the way we have to approach Wolves, I think it’s best with Rapha and Luke.’

Maguire, 29, faces more competition than ever to reclaim a starting place at United after falling behind Varane, Martinez and Lindelof in the pecking order. However, Shaw still needs to resolve his own future at the club. United have triggered a 12-month extension to his contract until June 2024, but are yet to open talks over a new deal.

They face a big decision with Maguire in the summer, when the England defender still has two years left on his £190,000-a-week contract. United will not sell him this month as Ten Hag wants a strong squad for the rest of the season before assessing his options in the summer.

Maguire wants to be more than a squad player at this stage of his career and former United and England defender Rio Ferdinand believes the Yorkshireman should leave, saying: ‘If I were Harry Maguire, I’d be looking for a new club now. ‘

Ten Hag’s priority this month is a new striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. United’s £220million summer spending spree and the ongoing uncertainty over the sale of the club means finances are limited, and the Dutchman insists he won’t be ‘burning cash’ for it.

‘We have a good team when all the players are available,’ he added. ‘But with a lot of games coming up, I think there is a need (for a striker). You need something that can have an impact, otherwise you’re just burning money.’

Ten Hag has no doubts about Anthony Martial’s ability to lead the attack despite a poor performance at Wolves, and has backed the Frenchman to bounce back against Bournemouth.

But, with the return of Lisandro Martinez, Maguire’s chances will become more frequent

‘He hasn’t played for a long time and maybe this (Wolves) is not his game,’ said the United boss. ‘In the next game, I expect a better performance from him. I am convinced of that.

‘I was really happy with his performances in many games. If you see the minutes he’s played and the impact he’s had so far, it’s really big.’

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho was pictured returning to United’s Carrington training base on Monday following a spell away from the rest of the squad in the Netherlands.

Sancho will follow an individual training program before being reconsidered for selection, having missed United’s camp in Spain last month because Ten Hag said he was not physically or mentally fit.