In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly informed Harry Maguire that it would be beneficial for all parties involved if the defender were to pursue a transfer away from the club this summer. While Maguire recently confirmed his removal as captain in a social media post, it has now emerged that the conversation between him and ten Hag went beyond a mere change in leadership. Instead, the manager actively encouraged Maguire's departure from Old Trafford.
Transition in Captaincy and Playing Time
Bruno Fernandes is widely expected to assume the role of captaincy following Maguire's exit, but no official confirmation has been made yet. Throughout last season, ten Hag gradually phased Maguire out of the first-choice starting lineup, favoring other central defenders such as Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw. Despite retaining the captain's armband on the pitch, Maguire found his playing time limited.
Maguire's Desire to Stay and Club's Encouragement to Depart
While Manchester United has actively listed Maguire for sale at the right price this summer, the player himself has expressed his determination to stay and fight for his place in the squad. However, the recent conversation between Maguire and ten Hag suggests a concerted effort by the club to guide the 30-year-old defender towards the exit door, hoping to change his stance on remaining at the club.
Potential Suitors and Financial Considerations
Harry Maguire has attracted interest from several clubs in Italy, as well as West Ham and Newcastle United. However, his status as the world's most expensive defender and his substantial earnings make it challenging to find a suitable destination for the player. It is anticipated that any potential transfer would likely be a loan deal due to the financial aspects involved, with Manchester United potentially needing to subsidize a portion of Maguire's wages until his contract expires in 2025.
Erik ten Hag's unexpected encouragement for Harry Maguire to seek a transfer away from Manchester United has added a new twist to the defender's future at the club. While Bruno Fernandes appears poised to assume the captaincy, Maguire's departure would mark a significant shift in United's defensive lineup. With potential suitors in Italy and the Premier League, the challenge lies in finding a club willing to meet Maguire's financial demands. As the transfer window progresses, the final outcome of this situation remains uncertain, leaving fans and pundits intrigued about Maguire's next move and the impact it will have on Manchester United's defensive strategy.