Manchester United have been advised that they must “honor” Harry Maguire’s contract, with the England international willing to stay and compete for a position at Old Trafford.
Maguire, 30, is a target for Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer season after falling to the bottom of Erik ten Hag’s center-back pecking order. The former Leicester defender, who cost United £80 million in the summer of 2019, is considered a surplus to requirements by the Red Devils hierarchy, who are looking to raise finances this summer.
Maguire, who is still the club’s captain, is said to be determined to turn his United career around and keep his position in England’s squad ahead of next summer’s European Championships in Germany. But Richard Keys disputes such assertions, claiming that the 30-year-old, who is under contract until 2025, wants out.
“No, he doesn’t,” Keys replied on Twitter in reaction to a story that Maguire wants to stay. “I’m sure he’d be happy to move on, but only if United paid him what he was owed.” They must honor his contract since he has one. Aren’t clubs usually asking players to do this? The shoe is on the other foot.”
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It was claimed last week that the Red Devils would be willing to hand the ex-Leciester center-back a £10 million payment if he left the club this summer. Tottenham, who recently appointed Ange Postecoglou as manager and seek to restructure their defense, are interested.
A move abroad has also been suggested, with Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Roma all rumored to be interested in signing Maguire on loan next season while paying a portion of his £200,000-a-week salary. Ten Hag recently told Maguire that he has “a decision to make” about his future after being benched for last Saturday’s FA Cup final, another sad indictment of his declining career.
“Let’s just say I’m happy he’s here, and when we needed him, he did his job,” the Dutchman told The Times. “But he must also make a decision.” No one would be happy in this situation, and he is not either. He always trains at the highest levels, putting forth his all. So he manages that scenario effectively, and he’s vital for the squad because of his captaincy.”
Maguire’s place is at risk, according to England boss Gareth Southgate, who has spent much of the 2022-23 season on the bench. Southgate admitted after calling him up for the Euro 2024 qualifying double-header in June, “Inevitably, it’s not a situation that can continue forever.”
