Harry Maguire could be nearing an exit from Manchester United this summer, but his decision heavily depends on the fate of current manager Erik ten Hag. The English defender is exploring his options but is holding off on any final moves until he has clarity about Ten Hag’s future at the club. With speculation about a potential managerial change, Maguire’s wait highlights both his patience and the uncertainty surrounding United.
Maguire has been in solid form throughout the season, consistently delivering reliable performances. Last season, he was a key figure, and this year he has continued to make significant contributions. His partnership with Jonny Evans has been particularly valuable, with Maguire’s goal against Porto securing a crucial late draw, and his strong defensive work helping United to a draw against Aston Villa in the Premier League. These displays of leadership and experience have come at a challenging time for the club under Ten Hag.
Despite these performances, Maguire’s future at United is uncertain, with reports suggesting Ten Hag is planning to phase him out. The Dutch manager is reportedly looking to reshape the defense, and Maguire, a high-profile signing from Leicester City in 2019, may not be part of those plans.
However, Maguire isn’t rushing his decision. According to Football Insider, the Sheffield-born defender is waiting to see if there will be a change in management before deciding whether to pursue a transfer.
Maguire’s careful approach may be linked to the possibility of a new manager giving him a bigger role in the squad. His contract, which pays him £190,000 per week, runs until June, and with no talks of an extension, Maguire is prepared to see out his deal if Ten Hag remains in charge. However, should Ten Hag be dismissed, Maguire could be persuaded to stay, hoping a new manager might reignite his career at United.
Maguire’s contributions this season have been notable, especially in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign. He ranks 12th in appearances with 22, and 7th in goals with two.
He leads the team in aerial duels won, averaging 3.1 per game, and ranks 2nd in clearances with 3.8 per game. His match rating of 6.87 reflects his defensive reliability, despite the uncertainty around his future under Ten Hag.
Ten Hag’s position at the club remains precarious due to inconsistent results, with United sitting in 11th place despite a recent 2-1 win over Brentford. With only three wins from their first eight league games, there is growing speculation about whether Ten Hag can turn things around. While he signed a new contract over the summer, United’s disappointing start has led to rumors of a managerial change.
If Ten Hag is replaced, several high-profile managers, including Eddie Howe, Gareth Southgate, and Thomas Tuchel, are being considered. While Tuchel recently took the England job, the prospect of playing under Howe or Southgate—both of whom have managed Maguire internationally—could be appealing.
Maguire’s experience would be valuable if United goes through further changes, especially with center-backs Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof also rumored to leave next summer.
Maguire’s time at United has had its ups and downs. He was a regular starter when he first joined, missing only 12 of 114 Premier League matches in his first three seasons. His leadership earned him the captaincy for much of that time, but in recent years, his playing time has diminished, with new signings like Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Lisandro Martinez moving ahead of him.
As Bruno Fernandes remains captain, some pundits, like Mark Goldbridge, have even suggested Maguire could be in contention to start in place of Fernandes for an upcoming match against Fenerbahce, though this seems unlikely. This speculation highlights the ongoing uncertainty about Maguire’s role in the team.
United’s other center-back options are relatively inexperienced, with only 53 combined Premier League appearances between them. Maguire’s 246 appearances and Evans’ 383 could prove crucial in guiding the team through difficult matches, particularly if more defensive departures are imminent.
In summary, Harry Maguire faces a crucial decision about his future at Manchester United, with much hinging on Erik ten Hag’s fate. Maguire is waiting to see if a new manager might offer him a revitalized role, but until then, he continues to play an important role in the squad, ready for whatever the future brings.
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