The world's most expensive centre-back wasn't fit to lead the Red Devils, and there's no sense in him sticking around after losing the armband
Harry Maguire is destined to be remembered as one of the biggest flops in Manchester United's recent history. From the moment that he completed his record-breaking £80 million ($105m) switch to Old Trafford from Leicester City in 2019, Maguire has had to cope with the weight of huge pressure and expectation.
That only increased when he was made United's new permanent captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer just six months after his arrival in Manchester. It looked like a rash decision at the time given Maguire's lack of experience at the highest level, and so it has proved.
Maguire's performances gradually worsened under Solskjaer and his interim replacement Ralf Rangnick, but he clung on to his spot in the team due to his status as skipper. However, Erik ten Hag immediately identified the defender as a weak link upon his arrival at United last summer.
The former Ajax boss made sure that Lisandro Martinez followed him to Old Trafford, and it wasn't long before he started experimenting with the Argentine enforcer alongside Raphael Varane in the heart of his backline. United improved significantly after Maguire's relegation to the bench, and he had to watch on as Bruno Fernandes took up on-field captaincy duties in admirable fashion.
By the end of the 2022-23 campaign, the England international had also fallen behind Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw in the pecking order. Ten Hag made it painfully obvious that Maguire doesn't fit into his long-term plans, but if there had been any shred of doubt still remaining, he eliminated it when the centre-half returned for pre-season training at the weekend.
Maguire announced that he has been stripped of the captaincy in an emotional post on social media, and admitted that he has been left "extremely disappointed" by Ten Hag's ruthless decision. But he should really look at it as a blessing in disguise because now he is free to rebuild his career – away from Old Trafford.
Getty ImagesSouthgate's warning
Despite his reduced role at United over the past 12 months, Maguire has retained a place in Gareth Southgate's England line-up at international level. He was one of the standout performers during the Three Lions' run to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, and has developed a strong partnership with Manchester City star John Stones.
But even Southgate has acknowledged that he can't keep picking Maguire indefinitely if his club situation does not improve. When asked if the United centre-half needs to play more after seeing him complete the full 90 minutes of a 7-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over North Macedonia in June, Southgate replied: "It's clear, really. I think him and Kalvin [Phillips] are the two who have played the least in terms of guys in this squad this season.
"But we have gone with them because in these two positions we think they are still ahead of others that might have played more. But it is then hard when that competition gets more even and you are not playing regularly to see their form, see their fitness, so that is the challenge for everybody."
England are not blessed with great depth in Maguire's position, but even so, he would be risking his place at next summer's Euros by staying at United for another season. The longer he spends on the sidelines, the more difficult it becomes for Southgate to justify his inclusion.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesUnited need him gone
Maguire's market value has dropped significantly in recent seasons, and United will have to accept a significant loss on their initial investment if they are to get him off their books this summer. But that is what they are trying to do, according to .
Ten Hag is ready to let up to 13 players leave the club this summer, including Maguire, to boost his transfer kitty for new signings. United have seen their budget restricted by Financial Fair Play, and after the £60m ($79m) addition of Mason Mount and the imminent arrival of Andre Onana from Inter, they won't have much left over.
It has been reported that Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund is top of Ten Hag's list of targets to fill the No.9 role in United's starting XI, and he could be attainable if the club can generate £40m ($52m) or more from Maguire's exit.
(C)Getty ImagesPlenty of options
He may have failed to live up to his price tag in Manchester, but Maguire could still have plenty to offer in new surroundings. Several clubs have registered an interest in his services, including West Ham and Aston Villa.
A slight step down might be best for Maguire, who desperately needs to rebuild his confidence in a less pressurised environment. However, he is reportedly “angry, shocked and upset” about losing the captain's armband at Old Trafford, which suggests he still believes he should be playing at the highest possible level.
Tottenham have also been linked with Maguire, and although they aren't the force they were a few years ago under Mauricio Pochettino, they will be expected to push for a top-four finish again next season. He may also have the option to take an ever bigger gamble by joining Pochettino's new club Chelsea.
Kalidou Koulibaly and Cesar Azpilicueta have both left Stamford Bridge, with the Blues now weighing up a surprise swoop for Maguire to plug a gap at the back. He would have more chance of regular minutes at Chelsea, who are in the process of a rebuild after a disastrous 2022-23 campaign.
But Maguire doesn't have to restrict himself to the Premier League either. Italian giants Inter Milan and Saudi outfit Al-Hilal have also been mooted as potential destinations for the defender – and he would be wise to start assessing the pros and cons of each club.
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GettyBruno is a better fit
Maguire has come across as stubborn, and somewhat arrogant during his time at United – at least on the surface. One such occasion came when he addressed his lack of playing time in an interview with in April.
"If you ask anyone in the dressing room how well I train, I train hard and competitively in everything I do whether it is a small-sided game or possession, and I always do extra," he said. "This year I feel I am in a good place mentally, physically and every time I’ve started a game of football I’ve done myself justice and done well."
Those words simply did not ring true. Maguire had been prone to basic errors and lapses in concentration way before Ten Hag's arrival, but he sunk to new lows last season. He was arguably the worst player on the pitch in United's shocking 4-0 loss at Brentford in August, and effectively cost his team their place in the Europa League with a horror showing in the second leg of their quarter-final tie against Sevilla.
Maguire didn't even reach the minimum standard required of a squad player for United, which is why it's not surprising that he is no longer the club captain. Fernandes is obviously a far more talented footballer, but the main reason that he is a better fit for the armband is his strong mentality.
The Portuguese drives United forward and demands maximum effort from everyone around him. Maguire never commanded the same respect.