Reports emerged earlier in the week that Manchester United are intent on moving Harry Maguire on despite the English defender’s resurgence in recent months.
Maguire spent most of 2022/23 on the sidelines, no thanks to a loss of form. At that time, FIFA World Cup winners Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane became the club’s first-choice centre-back pairing. Whenever Erik ten Hag called him up to the starting XI, he would make a mess of things.
In response, fans hurled insults his way. His family was not spared either as his wife, sister and mother constantly had to defend themselves and Harry from these insults. The inconsistencies also led to him losing the captain’s armband to Bruno Fernandes, a player whose leadership qualities have been called into question in recent times.
A transfer was being touted as the best solution for both parties but one to West Ham United fell through in the summer. Harry, however, put his head down and worked and is now back on top of the list at the club. Talks of a transfer died down and the focus has shifted from him to Varane, who is now suffering a slump in form in United’s defence.
It has now been revealed that the media was misinformed about the club’s true intentions towards Maguire. They still intend to sell Maguire and are excited about his resurgence. This is because they believe he can now generate a good transfer fee.
The word going around is that ten Hag would rather stick with Varane and move Maguire on in order to fund some other transfers he wants the club to make. West Ham’s £30 million offer could need some adjustment if they are still interested in landing the 30-year-old defender by January.
Foresight shows that it could be a good move for Maguire to move on now that his ovation is getting loud. Former Man United winger Lee Sharpe believes this would be the right move for Maguire as well. However, the player’s performances are a sign of a gentle renaissance in the team and it could prove costly to let him go.
In the eyes of many fans, not many players have shown signs of wanting to play for the badge like Maguire has. He is putting in the work and his zeal is slowly spreading around to the other players in the team.
There is also the issue of having adequate competition in the defence, an area in which Man United have struggled this season. Maguire could be relegated to the background once again but having someone with his experience and fighting spirit is great for Man United at this stage in their rebuild.
A January exit would be too early for him and it could end up further derailing United’s season. They would also be strengthening a top-four rival if he ends up at West Ham or any other side in the top 10 of the Premier League.
