“Shouldn’t be at the club” – How Erik ten Hag has taken on Roy Keane demands on two Man United players

Erik ten Hag has not been shy of making big decisions since he took over at Manchester United last year.

Whether it be leaving Cristiano Ronaldo out of the team, stripping Harry Maguire of captaincy or releasing David de Gea, the Dutch boss has been firm in his way.

Before his tenure, many United players were considered as surplus to requirements by fans and pundits. Ten Hag has assessed the options and seen players that he can improve and others that don’t fit.

Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw are two players that had struggles before the manager joined and have since become key players in his team. Meanwhile, he instantly replaced the pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred in the middle of midfield.

Two players that Roy Keane has previously stated are playing for their futures are Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf. The former United captain suggested that they should leave the club if they can not make positive impressions when coming into team.

“I think they always are [playing for their futures],” Keane told Sky Sports during last season. “These lads are not first choice but the reason they’re at Man United is when you get your opportunity you take it. These are experienced international footballers so coming in against a Forest team which are struggling, you’d expect them to perform.

“Obviously they need the players in front of them to give them some sort of protection, but listen, Maguire and Lindelöf, you’re playing for Man United for a reason, we expect you to deal with a Forest attack or else you shouldn’t be at the club.”

Those are the kind of demands that Ten Hag has taken on board when deciding who should leave the club this summer. The defensive pairing were once the starting partnership at Old Trafford but now both occupy backup roles to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

Maguire, 30, had some decent performances for The Reds last term. However, when it mattered, he made a blunder which contributed to United’s exit in the Europa League.

On the other hand, Lindelöf took his opportunities in the first eleven with both hands. The Swede came in when Varane fell to injury and impressed.

Those performances across the season, in backup roles, would’ve had influence on the fact that the England defender is on the market whilst Lindelöf is expected to remain at the club.

West Ham are looking likely to become Maguire’s new home after the two clubs agreed a £30 million transfer fee for the defender, although personal terms seem like a hurdle that will need to be overcome in the coming days.