Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag accused of bias against Harry Maguire

Martínez is the only central defender Ten Hag has signed, as Varane and Lindelof were already at the club when the Dutchman arrived.

With Maguire falling down the pecking order, his place in Gareth Southgate’s side has also come into question. The 29-year-old’s poor form has continued at international level, but Allardyce believes he has to go to the World Cup this winter.

“It’s been outrageous from people who are trying to undermine the talent that he has. [Maguire] he is, and what a good guy,” he added. “That is particularly worrying for Gareth [Southgate] in terms of giving in to pressure. I’ve known him for the last few years, and with what he’s done for England, I hope Gareth stays strong and stays with him, because he deserves it. I hope he stays loyal to Harry, and I hope Harry repays him for that loyalty.”