Harry Maguire speaks on future at Manchester United amid recent exit rumors
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has spoken about his future at Old Trafford amid rumors that he could potentially leave the club this summer. There have been reports that the Red Devils are seeking a buyer, as they are willing to let their former captain go.
The concern for United is that Maguire has 12 months left on his contract. If he stays for another year, he will remain on the wage bill, while the club will be unable to get any money, as he will leave on a free transfer. This has pushed them to look for a buyer (via Mirror), so as to sell him for a fee and reduce the wage bill.
However, Manchester United have not told Harry Maguire that they want him to leave the club. This was revealed by the defender, who told Sky (via Fabrizio Romano on X):
“I have one year left on my contract with an option but if they come to me and say they don’t want me any more, of course I’ll look for options elsewhere. But that’s never been told to me. Full focus on winning trophies here!”
The report from Mirror also claimed that Maguire, who played 22 Premier League matches last season, has suitors in Italy. The Red Devils are looking at a number of defensive targets to bolster their squad, having already signed youngster Leny Yoro. This could further reduce Maguire's minutes at Old Trafford.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pushes for stronger squad
Following the signing of players like Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee this summer, Erik ten Hag has made it clear that the Red Devils still have a long way to go. Speaking about his plans for the summer transfer window, he said in a press conference in the USA (via ESPN):
"We need the squad to be as strong as possible. We already had a very good two buys, so when everyone is fit we have a team who can beat everyone, but with the squad depth we have to catch up because we had injuries, we are vulnerable.
"We have to avoid this by getting less injuries and second, our squad has to be that good. The quality we have in depth we have to catch up, but even more because this season will be the survival of the fittest."
Last season was a rather troubling one for Erik ten Hag, who led Manchester United to one of their worst Premier League finishes in decades. The manager failed in a number of areas, coming eighth in the league while getting kicked out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stages.
However, after winning the FA Cup, his second trophy in two years, the manager was given another chance to improve his fortunes. New Manchester United co-owners INEOS handed Ten Hag a new contract, and he will be hoping to exceed expectations this time around.