Harry Maguire’s footballing adventure will continue once again this summer as his departure looks ever more likely from Old Trafford but what lies ahead for the Englishman?
Time at Manchester United
Having joined in the summer of 2019 for a record-breaking fee of £80 million, Maguire was an important player for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time as Manchester United manager. Alongside Victor Lindelof, he created a strong defence for the Red Devils and when he was missing for the 2021 Europa League final, United really missed his ball-playing ability as they fell to Sevilla.
Despite a superb European Championship with England, he never really recovered from his injury woes and they were compounded when Solskjaer rushed him back from injury against his former side Leicester City prior to Solskjaer’s sacking.
Under interim Ralf Ragnick, United were woeful and Maguire, although performances were below par, was made a scapegoat being the captain of the club and his price tag was brought into question even more.
Under Erik ten Hag, he has not been first choice and Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martinez have ousted him. Maguire has been professional during his absence but it is clear that he is not part of ten Haag’s plans. When given a chance, Maguire has not lived up to expectations with big mistakes against Sevilla in recent games.
What will Harry Maguire do now?
It is clear that his Manchester United future is over and his England career is on the thinnest of ice with Gareth Southgate stating “it’s not a situation that can continue forever”
Harry Maguire is at a crossroads and with the Euros in 2024 Maguire needs to be playing games and that is the simple fact. At United, he has dropped down to fourth choice, and at 30 he needs to move away.
This could be easier said than done. Maguire, as stated, cost £80 million and United will be expecting some (if not half) back in the deal. His current contract expires in 2025 and United could demand a good price for him.
Will there be any suitors?
They might not be queuing up for Maguire but he will certainly gain some interest. When Maguire is in top form he is assured, commanding and comfortable centre back but that form for club has been non existent for a long time now. There have been glimpses but not enough for a man who was named in Euro 2020 team of the tournament.
Maguire will still feel that he can play in Europe and will more than likely want to stay in England. This does reduce the amount of teams that could purchase him but he may have to drop out of Europe to get game time.