Harry Maguire is reportedly close to a move away from Manchester United. Sam McGuire looks at five suitors for the 29-year-old should he leave Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire was one of the best centre-backs at the World Cup but now finds himself behind a left-back in the pecking order for Manchester United.
Luke Shaw started as the left-sided centre-back in the win over Wolves recently and was restored to that role for the FA Cup clash with Everton on Friday night.
He partnered Raphael Varane in defence with Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Maguire having to settle for a watching brief from the bench.
It is a role the world’s most expensive centre-back has become accustomed to this term. Maguire has made just four Premier League starts for the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag and has been named in the starting XI on just one occasion in Europe.
Granted, his last two starts in the English top-flight have been 1-0 wins for United, his first two starts were at the start of the season in defeats to Brighton and Brentford. These defeats obviously left a lasting impression on ten Hag and he’s been reluctant to use his captain ever since.
The Man United manager explained his thought process recently, revealing it was a tactical decision to use Shaw at centre-back. "We take every game in every competition seriously, so also this one," ten Hag told MUTV.
"It's a tactical choice with him [Shaw] again. He worked very well in the centre-back position with Rapha [Varane], and also Tyrell Malacia, who played really strong.
"So I want to keep that. It's important [Dalot and Antony return], that's why also they're playing, to get that connection back, but also with Ty and Diogo, we have two full-backs who can come into midfield and make overlaps and underlaps.
"We need that dynamic in our build-up and our possession play, to play a compact opponent like Everton. It can be, but you have to prove it every game and you have to be ready for every game, so it starts with the right organisation and intensity."
Tactical or not, the decision to trust a full-back at centre-back speaks volumes. Maguire’s World Cup exploits weren’t enough to convince ten Hag to entrust him in his starting XI, even when Martinez wasn’t available.
With this in mind, maybe it is time for the Man United No. 5 to move on. But which Premier League teams might be interested?
Who are the favourites to sign Harry Maguire in January?
Aston Villa – 1/5
Aston Villa (1/5 favourites) went big on Diego Carlos in the summer only to lose him to injury. The Villans have decisions to make though at centre-back with Tyrone Mings into the final 18 months of his contract and Jan Bednarek only on loan at Villa Park.
Unai Emery helped develop Pau Torres into one of the most sought-after centre-backs in Europe and Maguire does share a similar profile to the former Manchester United transfer target.
Villa have shown that they aren’t afraid to splash the cash and adding a player of Maguire’s quality could help them challenge for a European place. He’s much more reliable than Mings.
Spurs – 14/1
Would United really sell to a rival? If the offer is good enough, possibly?
Maguire might well be the perfect fit for an Antonio Conte defence. Spurs sit deep and absorb pressure meaning the centre-back has small areas to dominate and it would suit him perfectly.
The Italian tactician also rates ball-playing defenders and Maguire, for all of his faults, is very useful in possession. If Tottenham aren’t convinced with the on-loan Clement Lenglet, a move for Maguire (14/1 best price) could well be on the cards.
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Leicester City – 25/1
The Foxes do need defensive reinforcements. Jonny Evans isn’t getting any younger while Caglar Soyuncu is expected to leave in the summer when his contract expires.
Wout Faes, Liverpool game aside, has been a revelation since being brought in to replace Wesley Fofana, but he’s going to need a partner.
Maguire might well be open to a return to the King Power Stadium. After all, it was under Brendan Rodgers that his game really improved. Reuniting the pair could be a win-win for all parties.
Newcastle United – 33/1
The Magpies are no doubt more than happy with Sven Botman. The Dutch colossus has impressed following his move from Lille and Newcastle have the best defensive record in the Premier League this term.
However, Eddie Howe might view Maguire (33/1 chance) as someone who can add something to his squad. Not only does he allow the former Bournemouth manager to use a back three on occasion but he also helps cover for Botman.
Again, the 29-year-old United centre-back shares a number of traits with the Dutch under-21 international. It would mean Newcastle have depth and defensive options as they push for a Champions League place.
West Ham – 33/1
David Moyes brought in Nayef Aguerd this summer and the Hammers do already have one of the most dominant centre-backs in the league at their disposal in Kurt Zouma.
But, just as he would at Newcastle, Maguire would allow West Ham to play a back three, something Moyes has favoured in the past.
He would also give them good depth and ensure they can play a similar way, even if Aguerd and Zouma are out injured. He might not be a starter but he would get more minutes than he does at Manchester United.
