Manchester United are considering parting ways with captain Harry Maguire as they are not convinced with the defender’s ability.
According to Rudy Galetti, Manchester United have served an ultimatum to Harry Maguire, who has definitely fallen in the pecking order at Old Trafford. The English defender has not been involved much as Erik ten Hag has preferred Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the backline this season.
Manchester United’s upswing in form has given Erik ten Hag more confidence. That is because, despite the absence of their captain, there have been pretty encouraging results in their favour. And Lisandro Martinez’s seamless transition has made Maguire’s case more difficult.
Manchester United splashed a whopping £80 million to acquire the services of the English international from Leicester City back in 2019. But the record-breaking move is yet to yield any positive results.
Maguire’s drop in form, however, has not had any effect on his England place as Gareth Southgate is an avid admirer of the player and has taken a keen interest in his performances this campaign.
The former Hull City defender has been named in England’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will be travelling to Qatar. And a strong show in the World Cup could help Maguire grab the bragging rights at Manchester United.
Leicester City are interested in taking their former player back, while another two unnamed Premier League clubs are tipped to be interested in the defender. The Red Devils will be unable to recoup the entire money they paid for him but will demand a sum to the tune of £30 million to let him leave the club.
Maguire’s current contract does expire in 2025, and Manchester United also have the option of exercising a one-year extension. But given the current scenario, if the situation does not improve much, the 29-year-old might have to ponder different options. Manchester United’s continued interest in Jurrien Timber will also complicate matters for the club captain.
Manchester United are expected to continue their squad overhaul next summer. And Erik ten Hag has already reiterated he will be needing another couple of transfer windows to make Manchester United capable of challenging the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
