An interesting report in The Guardian over the weekend claimed Erik ten Hag is ready to sell Harry Maguire next summer.
The report says Ten Hag is ‘intent on selling his captain to help fund a continuing overhaul of the squad’.
United are said to accept there will be a ‘considerable loss’ on the £80 million spent in 2019, and will be open to offers.
Let’s take a look at what this means for United moving forward…
A good chance to cash in
2023 will be a good opportunity to cash in on Maguire. His contract runs to 2025, and by next summer he will be 30.
In 2024 at 31 with just one year left on his deal, United could command even less, so it makes sense for United to recoup as much as possible.
A strong World Cup could also see Maguire’s reputation rise and market grow, attracting more teams to want to make a move.
Maguire is one of the bigger name players the club can sell to raise funds, having struggled to sell players for decent fees in recent seasons.
Time to get younger and faster
Ten Hag’s decision is a smart one, desiring United to upgrade at a key position. The move would open the door for the club to sign a replacement.
It is likely United would replace Maguire with a player aged around 20, one who Ten Hag can develop into a future star.
One potential name could be Jurrien Timber, who partnered Lisandro Martinez successfully at Ajax.
The Guardian‘s report says Maguire’s lack of pace is one of the reasons Ten Hag wants to sell him. This is not a trait which will improve as he gets older.
This is a chance for Ten Hag to build a team in the image he wants, and he can use the funds from Maguire’s sale to put towards a player he genuinely does want.
Best for Maguire and United
Harry Maguire might end up being relieved if he is sold. His performances have reflected a player who has at times struggled under the pressure of captaining such a huge club.
Right now Maguire is fourth choice at United behind Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof, and was left on the bench at Fulham on Sunday once again.
There was debate over whether he deserves to be in the England squad, and turning 30, his place will no longer be guaranteed, so he needs to play.
Letting him leave will be better for Maguire’s international choices, and his own happiness, so he can join a club where he can become first choice.
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