Transfer Rumours: Where next for Harry Maguire
It's time to explore another transfer saga.
When Manchester United paid a record £80m to make Harry Maguire the world's most expensive defender in 2019, one of the big attractions was his ability to lead.
Maguire had then captained the Old Trafford club within three months of his arrival from Leicester. Less than three months after that, the England man was given the armband permanently following Ashley Young's move to Inter Milan.
He is now Erik ten Hag's fifth-choice central defender behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and even Luke Shaw.
As Euro 2024 approaches at the end of this season, England boss Gareth Southgate has told Maguire he needs to play more frequently to remain in the squad.
Maguire is no longer United captain
Now he's had the club captaincy taken off him. Maguire said he was "personally extremely disappointed" as he revealed it first on social media.
He also said: "Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. It’s one of the greatest honours in club football. I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful - on and off the field."
You can read his full statement below.
After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) July 16, 2023
So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the… pic.twitter.com/TAOS0eisF1
It was always likely Ten Hag would switch his captains this summer, now he has his feet under the Old Trafford table and his rebuild is taking shape.
There are still at least two years left on his contract, which is a big one. Finding a club to take that on in its entirety will not be easy. United may have to offer an incentive.
Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket holder, said: "I do feel sorry for him, social media can be a toxic place sometimes and the abuse he gets can often go too far."
You can read more Premier League news: Premier League news (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
It wasn't always like this
In the summer of 2019, Manchester United were prepared to make Maguire the second most expensive signing by an English club, behind Paul Pogba. Then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke about his ability to read the game, his strong presence and calmness under pressure.
Many fans and pundits argued that United needed all these qualities after the chaos of Jose Mourinho's last few months in charge, as well as Solskjaer's inability to win the Champions League.
Twelve months previously, Mourinho had wanted to sign him. Pep Guardiola was keen to take Maguire to Manchester City.
Where next?
🚨BREAKING:
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) July 17, 2023
West Ham have had a loan offer for Harry Maguire rejected by Manchester United. @JacobSteinberg
It has been rumoured that Chelsea, West Ham and several other Premier League clubs are interested in signing Maguire. It remains to be seen what kind of fee United could get him. Many believe that the Red Devils will have to lower their expectations on this.
