Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, appears to have made a decisive call on the future of Harry Maguire, signaling that the defender is no longer a part of his plans moving forward. Reports have emerged suggesting that Maguire could be allowed to leave the club for a significantly reduced fee during the upcoming January transfer window. This would mark a drastic change in fortune for the England international, who was once the world’s most expensive defender when he moved to Old Trafford from Leicester City in 2019 for a record £80 million.
Maguire’s time at Manchester United has been a turbulent one, with the towering centre-back struggling to live up to the expectations that accompanied his hefty price tag. While he was initially seen as a key figure in United’s defense, especially under previous managers, his form has dipped considerably over the last couple of seasons. Under Ten Hag’s leadership, Maguire has found himself increasingly on the periphery, unable to secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup. According to reports from the Daily Star, the club could be willing to part ways with him for as little as £10 million in January—a significant loss from the £80 million they shelled out to bring him to Old Trafford.
This potential departure reflects a broader shift in United’s defensive setup. Since Ten Hag took charge, there has been a clear emphasis on rebuilding the defense, with considerable investments made in players like Lisandro Martinez, who arrived from Ajax, and Matthijs de Ligt, who was heavily linked with the club before moving to Bayern Munich. Additionally, young talent such as Leny Yoro has emerged as a potential option, further reducing Maguire’s chances of reclaiming a regular spot. With these new arrivals solidifying the backline, it’s no surprise that Maguire has been pushed down the pecking order.
While there was previous interest from West Ham in signing Maguire, the current situation is more uncertain. As of now, no specific clubs have been directly linked with a move for him, which could complicate Manchester United’s plans to offload the defender. Finding a buyer willing to meet even the reduced asking price might prove challenging, especially given Maguire’s dip in form and the reputation he has garnered during his time at the club.
Despite these challenges, Maguire still possesses qualities that could make him an appealing option for mid-table Premier League teams or even lower-tier clubs in need of defensive reinforcements. His leadership, experience at both club and international levels, and physical presence in the heart of the defense are assets that could benefit teams looking to bolster their backline. However, the lack of immediate suitors raises questions about where he could realistically end up by the time the January window closes.
For Manchester United, the decision to sell Maguire for a fraction of his original fee may seem like a financial loss on paper, but it could be a strategic move to free up space in the squad and cut their losses. Ten Hag is clearly building a squad that fits his vision, and Maguire, for all his strengths, no longer seems to align with that vision. The defender’s potential departure could also open the door for further investment in other areas of the team, as United continues to aim for success both domestically and in European competitions.
In conclusion, the impending January transfer window could see the end of Maguire’s time at Manchester United. His exit would mark the end of a chapter that began with much fanfare and promise but ultimately fell short of expectations. While Maguire may no longer have a future at Old Trafford, his experience and defensive capabilities mean he could still find a place in another Premier League side. However, the challenge for both the player and the club will be identifying a suitable buyer willing to take him on at a r
educed fee.