Former Newcastle United shot-stopper Shay Given has said that the Magpies should have signed Harry Maguire.
Harry Maguire’s future was a talking point throughout the summer transfer window. The former Manchester United skipper was linked with quite a few English clubs. But, eventually, United’s asking price and his wages proved to be way too much. And, the 30-year-old will have to continue with the Red Devils for the 2023-24 season.
The arrival of Erik ten Hag saw Maguire go down the pecking order. While he was still the skipper of the team, the England international had limited game time during the 2022-23 season. Weeks after the end of the season, the Dutch manager informed Maguire that he was stripped of the captaincy.
The club even informed the 30-year-old that he was surplus to requirements and was allowed to look for a new club elsewhere. Even United tried to find a solution but things didn’t go according to plan.
Newcastle United were one of the clubs that were linked with the United defender. The Magpies were looking for more depth in the heart of the defence and they were interested in the 30-year-old’s services.
But, concrete came of it, the Magpies were focused on other targets and they did manage to sign the majority of the players they wanted to. However, they never really made a move to land the England international at the club. And, this is where they went wrong according to Shay Given.
While speaking to Sky Sports News via HITC, Given said: “I think the business has been good. Maybe I would have looked at centre-half, if I’m honest.
“The likes of Harry Maguire. Would he have come in and helped them at the back? [Fabian] Schar has had his injury problems, [Sven] Botman is touch and go for this weekend, [Dan] Burn came into the back last weekend of course, so possibly they could have strengthened there.”
The 47-year-old suggested that Eddie Howe should have signed the Manchester United defender who is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. Given stated that another centre-back would have helped them in the long run.
With Fabian Schar prone to injury, adding Maguire to the mix alongside Sven Botman and Dan Burn would have given them the much-needed depth. It would have allowed Howe to rotate his centre-backs and keep them fresh for big games. And, since the Magpies are back in the Champions League after ages, Maguire would have been surely of great help.
