Erik ten Hag says Harry Maguire would be better off leaving Manchester United if he is not confident enough to battle for a first-team spot.
The United boss is adamant he thinks Maguire can be an important part of his plans.
However, after Ten Hag took the captaincy off the 30-year-old, United then accepted a £30m bid from West Ham for him.
“He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back,” said Ten Hag.
“He is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us?
“But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision. But I’m happy with him.”