During every transfer window, football fans can anticipate rumors, particularly concerning clubs like Manchester United. The Red Devils consistently generate excitement among their fanbase, who eagerly await news of potential arrivals and departures.
Harry Maguire, once an exciting player, now finds himself in a situation where fans are eager to see him depart the club. Despite his past role as the main center back and captain, it appears that his time at the club may be coming to an end.
Harry Maguire expected to leave Man United
With the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe to the Manchester United board, along with some much needed transfer cash, everyone is expecting the club to spend heavy in the January transfer window. They have already mapped out a transfer strategy, prioritizing some players and positions over others.
However, while new arrivals are expected, departures are also needed, as the club are also battling Financial Fair Play rules. It looks like Harry Maguire will be the sacrificial goat. United had already accepted a bid from West Ham for the player back in the previous summer transfer window. However, the player refused it and wanted to fight for his place.
Harry had a good spell for some time, even winning the Player of the Month award. Maguire’s place in the starting lineup was primarily a result of injuries to key players, and with their return, he finds himself back on the bench. Both manager Erik ten Hag and the fans are eager to see new changes, but any potential sale will likely occur in the summer to maintain squad depth.
To make room for new arrivals, the departure of Maguire seems necessary, and there’s also a possibility of Victor Lindelof leaving. Additionally, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans will see their contracts expire this summer. While the decision to sell Maguire has been made, interest from other clubs has not yet become apparent, though this could change in the near future.
Erik ten Hag seeks to bring in new CB’s to replace Harry Maguire
Manager Erik ten Hag is already planning his new squad, and his main priority is to improve the defense. With the possible departures of the likes of Harry Maguire, it is important to focus on that area. Already some targets for the upcoming summer transfer window have been lined up, with Jean-Clair Todibo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs De Ligt all linked to the club.
Todibo currently plays for Ligue 1 club Nice, where he has attracted a lot of interest from many clubs. He was formerly from Barcelona, and is one of the best young prospects to sign. Nice is also owned by Ratcliffe’s INEOS, so it will be easy and most probable to get him.
🚨🇳🇱🏴🇫🇷 Manchester United are interested in Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo. [@RobDawsonESPN] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/KGkoTcyafd
— United Update (@UnitedsUpdate) January 18, 2024
Branthwaite is an English center-back for Everton, and he is also on the radar of many clubs. He is young and quite talented, but acquiring him from a direct Premier League rival like Everton, who are battling relegation after being deducted points, might prove challenging.
De Ligt is the most admired and the most high profile player among the three, having played at Ajax, Juventus, and now Bayern Munich. He is still a very good defender, but has not managed to reach his full potential. Erik ten Hag was the one who brought him to the Ajax team during his managerial tenure there.
Manchester United have a lot of transfer prospects to replace Harry Maguire, but they have to worry about that later, as they have a FA Cup 4th round game against Newport County on Sunday.
