Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is reportedly set to remain at Old Trafford and fight for a place in Erik ten Hag’s side.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is reportedly expected to remain at Old Trafford despite being linked with a move away this summer.
Maguire, who joined Man United from Leicester City in 2019, saw his playing time restricted in Erik ten Hag‘s first season in the Old Trafford dugout in 2022-23, with the centre-back forced to settle for eight Premier League starts.
As a result of that difficult campaign, Maguire was heavily linked with a move to West Ham United last summer, but a transfer ultimately failed to come to fruition.
The 31-year-old stayed put and enjoyed an increase in playing time in the 2023-24 campaign, starting 18 of his 22 Premier League matches.
Although he forced his way back into Ten Hag’s thinking, there has been speculation that Maguire could be offloaded as part of an overhaul of the Man United backline.
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Maguire to remain at Old Trafford
The Red Devils have already seen Raphael Varane leave upon the expiry of his contract, while Victor Lindelof and Willy Kambwala are expected to depart this summer.
Maguire is another defender who has been considered for a summer exit, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.
However, according to the Daily Star, Ten Hag is willing to let Maguire remain as part of the squad rather than sell him for a cut-price fee.
The Dutchman has been impressed by Maguire’s attitude after the Englishman came back from the brink of an exit last summer to prove he could still be a useful asset to Ten Hag.
The former Leicester man has continued to showcase his determination over the summer break, having taken a Man United physio on his holiday to Portugal to aid his recovery ahead of pre-season.
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What will Maguire’s role be next season?
After returning to fitness, Maguire is expected to be involved when Man United get their pre-season underway in Monday’s friendly against Rosenborg.
While Maguire is now set to stay at Old Trafford, his future will have little impact on Man United’s plans to strengthen their defensive options.
The Red Devils are currently working on deals to sign Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille’s Leny Yoro.
Any potential additions would likely come into the fold to compete for a starting role alongside Argentina international Lisandro Martinez.
As a result, Maguire would be knocked down the pecking order and have to settle for a squad role rather than a regular starting spot.