There are speculations surrounding Harry Maguire and a move to Aston Villa. Erik Ten Hag has distanced himself from the rumours insisting that the club do not intend to sell him.
The Red Devils are a much-improved side this term and in a solid position to finish in the top four. Plenty has gone down in the club after the massive investments in the side, but they still have a long way to go. Their investments seem to be paying off, but there are still a few grey areas in the team, and Ten hag knows it.
The defence is in better shape and showing good health, as some of their problematic players have lost their place in the team. Erik Ten Hag has built a formidable defensive pairing of Lisandro Martinez and multiple-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane. They also enjoy cover from another experienced midfielder Casemiro.
The developments in the side have seen players like Fred and Scott McTominay lose their place in the starting lineup. Another high-profile player that has lost his place is Harry Maguire. Maguire has enjoyed limited game time this term, with speculations rife that he could move to Aston Villa this winter.
Man United deny Maguire sale to Aston Villa
There are sections of the Man United fan base who would be excited at the prospect of Harry Maguire leaving Old Trafford. This group of fans see the England international as a waste of space and can’t wait to see his back. The news of Aston Villa’s interest in Maguire has sparked a lot of debate, but United seem uninterested in selling.
According to the latest reports, Harry Maguire will not join Aston Villa in the January transfer window. The news comes after speculations of a transfer to Aston Villa this winter.
Maguire was at a restaurant near Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground on Saturday. The sighting sparked off rumours of an impending move for Maguire this winter.
Maguire enjoys cover in the team with his almost £200,000 weekly wages under no threat. Reports suggest Manchester United have no intentions of selling the Englishman, as Ten Hag sees him as adequate cover for his defensive duo. Maguire needs a miracle to break up the partnership between Martinez and Varane, who are in red-hot form.
Ten Hag makes changes in the dressing room
Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ten Hag has moved to exert more authority in the dressing room. The former Ajax manager wants to build Manchester United in the image of Ajax. Ten Hag seeks to impose a salary cap on the team. He also wants to clamp down on bad behaviour. In all this, Maguire is not close to leaving the club.
How will Ten Hag manage his new rules, especially on the salary cap? It seems to be a message to the board that he is comfortable without high-profile players. While players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial enjoy fat salaries for being mediocre, no player worth his salt would want to lower his demands, especially with the Red Devils losing its clout.
With United dousing the rumours of a Harry Maguire departure, the England defender can now focus on regaining his spot in the starting lineup. He is currently the third-choice option for Ten Hag. With United still in four competitions, the England international will get his chance to play.
