Despite their win against Brentford on Saturday, Terrible news hits a Manchester United’s £190,000-a-week star as he is forced to leave the club following a decision made by the club’s manager Erik ten Hag. This decision is delayed by the fact that ETH’s job still sits on a fence.
Harry Maguire may consider leaving Manchester United this summer if Erik ten Hag remains as the manager, but reports suggest that the defender will delay any career decisions until the Dutchman’s future is clear.
Maguire has been in solid form for United this season, continuing his reliable performances from the previous term. Recently, he partnered with Jonny Evans in defense, scoring a crucial goal in a late draw against Porto and helping United hold Aston Villa to a stalemate in the Premier League.
Their collective experience could prove vital as Ten Hag faces a tough period, with rumors circulating that the Dutch manager wants the Sheffield-born defender out of his squad.
According to Football Insider, Maguire is waiting to see if there will be a managerial change at Old Trafford before deciding his next move. He is reportedly interested in whether a new manager would offer him a more central role within the team.
Maguire, who earns £190,000 per week, has a contract set to expire in June, and no talks of a renewal have surfaced. If Ten Hag remains in charge, Maguire may let his contract run down. However, he could decide to stay if there is a managerial change.
Statistics from the 2023/24 Premier League season show that Maguire ranks 12th in squad appearances (22), has scored two goals (7th in the squad), and leads the team in aerial duels won per match (3.1). He is also second for clearances (3.8) and interceptions (1.1) per game, boasting an overall match rating of 6.87 (4th best in the squad).
While Ten Hag is reportedly keen on moving Maguire out, there remains a possibility that the manager could be dismissed before a final decision is made about the defender’s future at the club.
Despite a recent 2-1 win over Brentford, United have struggled this season, securing only three victories in their first eight league games and currently sitting 11th in the standings. Although Ten Hag was handed a new contract over the summer, inconsistent results have intensified the pressure on him.
Possible candidates to replace Ten Hag include Eddie Howe, Gareth Southgate, and Thomas Tuchel, although Tuchel recently took over as England’s manager. Maguire’s experience might prove critical if United undergo further defensive changes, such as the potential departures of Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof.
Early in his Manchester United career, Maguire was a key player, missing only 12 of the 114 possible Premier League matches during his first three seasons. However, his minutes have dwindled in recent years, and as he embarks on his sixth season at the club, the former Leicester City player finds himself behind newer arrivals such as Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
With Bruno Fernandes captaining the team, commentator Mark Goldbridge has even suggested that the 32-year-old Maguire might replace Fernandes in the starting lineup for United’s upcoming match against Fenerbahce.
Besides Evans, Maguire, and Lindelof—who is also expected to leave next summer—United’s other central defenders have accumulated only 53 Premier League appearances between them.
Maguire’s extensive experience, with 246 appearances, combined with Evans’ 383, could be crucial in helping the team secure vital points in close games.
