The United manager is certain that Maguire can be an integral part of his plans.
However, after Ten Hag relieved the 30-year-old of the captaincy, United accepted a £30 million proposal from West Ham for him.
He might become a center-back of the highest calibre, according to Ten Hag.
Why shouldn't he be the best for us if he is the greatest for England?
He must, however, provide evidence. When he lacks the confidence to fight, he must leave and decide. But I'm pleased with him."
Ten Hag on Maguire: “He has the ability to be first choice centre-back, he is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us - he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to make a decision + go.”#MUFChttps://t.co/dvdp0wMJgo
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) August 13, 2023
It is unclear if Maguire will make the transfer or whether he will play in United's first Premier League game against Wolves on Monday, but Ten Hag has hinted that he will.
In addition to Luke shaw playing in central defence last season, the Ten Hags squad selections have revealed that Harry Maguire is a backup to the first-choice pairings of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martnez. If Maguire decides to go, Jonny Evans, who is currently training with United, may fill in.
Any move for Maguire might provide additional funds for Ten Hag to return to the transfer market.
Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund, who is presently injured, are United's main targets this summer.
They chose Hojlund's potential above attempting to get Harry Kane from Tottenham, even if chairman Daniel Levy was prepared to sell to a Premier League opponent.
Ten Hag is pleased with the club's business so far, but he points out the massive sums being spent elsewhere, such as on Brighton's Moises Caicedo, who is poised to join either Chelsea or Liverpool for a British record fee of more than £110 million.
One year ago, he said, there were only five players with a net worth over £60 million.
Nowadays, many clubs are investing high amounts in their squads. The Premier League competition is fierce, but we are pleased with the group we have assembled."
Ten Hag stated that Anthony Martial will be available for the Wolves game after missing all of United's pre-season games due to a hamstring issue.