Harry Maguire could stay at Manchester United due to the fact the club, or his representatives, have been unable to find a buyer. There’s still plenty of time to strike a deal but it is a real possibility that the England international could still be out player next season.
A report from The Guardian explains Maguire’s salary increase as a result of United qualifying for the Champions League is making it more difficult to sell the defender.
Erik ten Hag finds himself in a position where he needs funds for extra transfers, so it would make sense to sell players he considers surplus to requirements. Maguire falls into that bracket after losing his place in the team and falling further down the pecking order throughout last season.
Like the rest of United’s squad, Maguire was rewarded with a considerable wage rise after last season’s third-place finish. Many of you will remember how players were unhappy to miss out on this last year when the Reds fell short of Champions League qualification due to a low finish in the league.
Jamie Jackson reports: “Ten Hag began the window with a budget of about £120m, just under half of which has been spent on the initial £55m purchase of Mason Mount from Chelsea. This means he has to raise funds to add the elite goalkeeper and No 9 he wants. Maguire, who cost £80m, could bring in £30m-£40m given his age, decline in form and the two years left on his contract.”
Maguire should be one of the players looking for a move this summer because he won’t keep his place in the England squad sat on the bench at United.
Gareth Southgate won’t take that risk at the Euros and everyone knows it.
