Harry Maguire will not be leaving Manchester United this summer
Manchester United have already suffered their first injury casualties of the new season, in their third pre-season game against Arsenal on Sunday.
New signing Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund both hobbled off the pitch and there have been murmurs that the Frenchman could be out for a considerable amount of time.
The defensive depth has once again come under the scanner as the club struggle to land their second centre-back this window with deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite proving complicated to execute.
Victor Lindelof, who returned to training recently after missing the last three friendlies, is one of the players the club is looking to move on.
Maguire’s uncertain future
Even Harry Maguire’s name was being linked with an exit despite an impressive renaissance in form from the former club captain last season.
Erik ten Hag was forced to turn to the England international as all his first-choice centre-backs suffered injuries and Maguire did not disappoint.
He started 25 games last term, an improvement over the 16 he started in the Dutchman’s first season, with the manager praising his mentality and willingness to play through the pain barrier for the club.
The 31-year-old was desperate to stay and fight for his place and Ten Hag was also open to keeping the “massive” former Leicester City man unlike last summer when West Ham came mightily close to landing the Englishman.
“Unless the club tell me I’m up for sale or I’m not wanted there anymore. Everything I’ve heard and the action I’ve been shown from the club, I’m part of the future and it is time to crack on and make this club successful again, challenging for the big trophies. That’s what this club demands,” Maguire had told Sky Sports when asked about his future.
Maguire will stay
And now, Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy (via Manchester World) has revealed to TUS that the 6ft 4in defender “won’t be leaving” Old Trafford this summer.
With Lindelof potentially leaving, the club need quality backup and it is not the worst call to stick with the £80 million man.
He can play on both sides of the defence and aerially no other defender comes close to matching his ability. But Ten Hag would ideally want an upgrade and that is why it is imperative that the club do not become too reliant on either Maguire or Jonny Evans.
United need another top-class centre-back before the window closes. It will be interesting to see which player they ultimately land.
