With Manchester United conceding a scarcely believable 85 goals in all competitions last season, it is clear that the defence needs a revamp ahead of the new season.
Already Raphael Varane has announced his departure while the club currently have no plans of offering veteran Jonny Evans an extension to his contract which ends in June.
Victor Lindelof has also been linked with an exit, as has Harry Maguire, who enjoyed a renaissance this season.
The England international who had started only 16 games in Erik ten Hag’s first season as manager, managed 25 starts this time around.
Maguire’s renaissance
The 31-year-old’s professionalism and will to impress despite the constant abuse was praised by the Dutch boss, as was his passion for the badge and will to play on through the pain.
The severe injury crisis suffered by the backline also helped Maguire’s chances but if the club does end up securing more than one centre-back this summer as previously relayed by The Peoples Person, the former Leicester City star’s future could lie away from Old Trafford.
His current deal ends in 2025 and the club does hold the option of triggering a one-year extension, but considering his growing age, INEOS might think it best to move him on now that he has multiple suitors chasing his signature.
📌 Negli ultimi giorni al #Milan è stato proposto Harry #Maguire. Il difensore, in scadenza nel 2025, lascerà il Manchester United a condizioni favorevoli. I dettagli tra poco su @MilanPress_it 🏴🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/bvxaepS5JW
— Daniel F. Speranza (@danielfsperanza) June 4, 2024
West Ham United remain interested, one year on from their failure to land the centre-back, and surprisingly, Bayern Munich have also been mentioned as a possible destination.
Maguire offered to AC Milan
Football Italia have claimed that the 20-time English league champions have been in touch with AC Milan and “have offered” their former United skipper to the Italian giants.
“In the last few days at Milan, Harry Maguire’s name was proposed. The defender, whose contract expires in 2025, will leave Manchester United on favorable terms,” Milan Press revealed on X (formerly Twitter).
Currently there is no clarity as to whether the Serie A side will take the bait. Maguire’s market value stands at €18 million as per Transfermarkt. INEOS would do well to earn more than that.
One thing is certain: United are expected to take a huge hit on their initial investment of £80 million. The player is said to be desperate to prove his worth to the new management and remain at The Theatre of Dreams.
With funds tight, can United afford to sell so many defenders? Will it be possible to revamp the whole back four? Only time will tell.
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