Erik ten Hag praises 'great players' Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay for winning back their Manchester United places and performing well after both were transfer listed in the summer

Erik ten Hag has paid tribute to Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire for turning around their Manchester United careers around this season.

Both players were the subject of bids from West Ham in the summer, but decided to stay at Old Trafford and fight for their places.

McTominay is United's top scorer with six goals from midfield following his double against Chelsea in midweek, while Maguire has won back his place in defence and was named the Premier League's player of the month for November.

'They are here, they are great players and have played themselves into the team,' said Ten Hag. 

'That's what you expect from every player, there has to be dedication to aim for this.

'I think we have a squad and in the squad there is internal competition. If you want a successful season you need more than 11 players. 

'The best team will turn in an average season.'

On McTominay's goal-scoring form, the United boss added: 'Actually from the first moment I saw, he has a very good smell to make it in the box and he is a very good finisher. 

'That is not a surprise when we bring it and the way we want to play and get the balls to them he will finish.'

United will aim to build on their win and much-improved performance against Chelsea when they host Bournemouth on Saturday.