It was club career renaissance for Harry Maguire last season after he looked destined to be on his way out after a difficult 22/23 campaign under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman preferred to pick Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in his first year with the former club captain starting only 16 games in all competitions, with only eight of them coming in the Premier League.
He looked on his way out when the Old Trafford side agreed a deal with West Ham only for it to fall through because of personal demands.
A crippling injury crisis at the back last time out meant Ten Hag turned to the 31-year-old and he delivered. Ultimately, he managed 25 starts, with the former Ajax coach praising his mentality and his willingness to play through the pain barrier for the club.
Maguire’s future
It seemed like the former Leicester City man had won over the manager but recent reports have suggested that Matthijs de Ligt, a former protege of Ten Hag at Ajax, is on his way and that could mean the end of Maguire’s United career.
The England international seems to have other ideas as per The Daily Star. They have claimed that the centre-back is determined to impress in pre-season and continue his stay in Manchester.
He missed the end of last season with a muscle injury which also meant he missed the Euro 2024 bus. But determined to begin strongly, the defender reportedly took a club physio along with him on holiday to hasten his rehabilitation process.
“Harry Maguire is going nowhere this summer – as he plans to fight for his Manchester United career.
“The England international, 31, who missed out on the Euros with a muscular injury, has returned for pre-season at Old Trafford fully fit and ready for action.
Ready to fight
“The Dutchman was hugely impressed by Maguire’s attitude and form last year after recalling him to the first team amid a crippling injury crisis at the back.
“And the Reds boss is happy to keep him – rather than let him leave on the cheap before transfer deadline.”
His current deal ends in 2025 with the club having the option to extend it by another year. There has been interest from certain clubs but the 20-time English league champions are currently looking to offload long-term partner Victor Lindelof.
Whether the axe falls on him ultimately will depend on United’s pursuit of the Bayern Munich man, Leny Yoro of Lille and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. If more than one arrive, the £80 million star might be forced to look for pastures new.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
