Manchester United are thinking about loaning Harry Maguire next season as they look to make space for a new defender.
According to Give Me Sport, Manchester United is pondering loaning out Harry Maguire ahead of the new season. The Red Devils anticipate a struggle in selling the £200,000-a-week English international, with a temporary move likely to prove helpful in freeing up space in the squad for a new centre-back.
Manchester United fans are all fixated on the transfer window and eager to understand which new players the club might bring in. A new striker seems imperative to Erik ten Hag’s requirement alongside midfielders and possibly a new centre-back.
Having taken over at the club last summer, Ten Hag made his first decisive decision by dropping captain Harry Maguire. The £200,000-a-week English international endured a difficult start to the season after defeats to Brighton and Brentford.
The decision helped Ten Hag to create a season-long partnership between Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. The duo have stabilised the Manchester United backline and led them back into the top four. Throughout the season, the manager has consistently kept Maguire on the bench, leading to questions about his long-term future.
The £200,000-a-week English international has a contract until 2025 with an option of another season. While Maguire remains the most expensive defender of all time, Manchester United are keen to offload him but have fears they will struggle to sell him outright owing to his massive wages.
Manchester United have already set sights on Napoli’s Kim Min-Jae as a replacement ahead of the summer window. Yet, for the South Korean to arrive, Ten Hag will feel the need to free up space and some wages, and hence they must offload Maguire.
Few clubs are keen in the English market but may not consider paying a high fee for a player whose stock has fallen. The report suggests the £200,000-a-week English international could have Italy as an option, but again, his wages could prove problematic.
Manchester United are now considering loaning Maguire out to another club. It may involve them covering a large chunk of his wages. A move for former side Sheffield United is also mooted but highly unlikely. Maguire remains a key England international and may look to stay in the Premier League.
There’s the prospect of him playing in Euro 2024, which would require the defender to play regularly next season. He has the talent and physicality to prove his worth, but that may not be at Manchester United. The club might feel a temporary move will suit everyone involved, but where will that be?
