Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to look for a new club in the January transfer window.
While speaking on BT Sport, as relayed by Daily Mirror, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand advised Harry Maguire to leave the club in order to fulfil his desire for more game time.
Harry Maguire lost his place as the first-choice centre-back for Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag preferring Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane over him. The English international has had to digest severe criticism for his performances on the pitch.
But surprisingly, the 29-year-old still manages to get a regular call-up to the England national side and looks a completely different player under the stewardship of Gareth Southgate. However, his fortunes at Manchester United have dwindled.
In the recent matches, ten Hag has opted to use Luke Shaw in the backline despite Maguire’s availability. The Manchester United missed the Carabao Cup fixture against Burnley due to illness but was present on the bench during the 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Should Harry Maguire leave Man United? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/OWUOgpstxr
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Maguire has definitely fallen in the pecking order. And unless something changes drastically, he will remain on the periphery of the starting lineup for most of the time. Now, Rio Ferdinand, who is regarded as one of the most successful English centre-backs ever, feels the Englishman should move on from his current situation and should find a new club.
“If I’m Harry Maguire, I’m looking for a new club right now. This new manager [Ten Hag] is showing by his team selection that he is not going to be one of the two, three top centre-backs at this club.”
The Manchester United added, “At Manchester United, it just hasn’t worked out for him. This manager, it is showing in his team selection that he is not going to be one of the top two, three centre-halves in his squad. So I am thinking if I am him in his shoes, I would be saying, find me somewhere else where I can go and enjoy my football and be playing regularly.”
It is very unlikely Manchester United will invite suitors for the 29-year-old in January. But should they receive an approach, they will surely assess the situation as they are yet to firm their grip on their season.