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According to reports, Man Utd defender Harry Maguire would rather «fight» for his place under Erik ten Hag than secure a move elsewhere.
The England international has come under heavy criticism over the past two seasons. He retained his place in United’s starting eleven last season but has slipped to the bottom line since Ten Hag joined the club.
Man Utd signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for £46m plus add-ons last summer and Ten Hag preferred to play him alongside Raphael Varane.
Martinez and Varane are injured, so Maguire and Victor Lindelof have started in recent games, but the club captain has failed to impress.
Maguire is under contract until 2025 but will probably have to move this summer if he wants to play regularly.
Last week, it was reported that Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are all interested in taking him on loan. The defender was also told by Stan Collymore it would be wise to join Aston Villa.
Yet, a report from The Athletic states that «those close to the player» feel Maguire wants to stay and «fight for his future at United».
«No one can hide that Maguire is in a worrying situation at Old Trafford. He has at least two years left on a highly paid contract and remains club captain.
«Those close to the player – who, like many in this piece, wish to remain anonymous to protect relations – insist Maguire, who turned 30 in March, wants to fight for his future at United and regain a starting place.»
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The report adds that Maguire «would have to take a pay cut and be convinced his time at Old Trafford is over» to get an over-the-limit deal.
«Yet United are also in a tough spot with financial fair play this summer and player sales will be needed to bolster a kitty that Ten Hag needs if they are to go from being a cup team to being a force capable of competing for the Premier League.
‘Maguire is one of those players who can claim a useful fee in the transfer market, but would almost certainly need a pay cut and be convinced his time at Old Trafford is over.
United, for their part, are not pushing him out of the club and are behind players, like currently loan pair Eric Bailly and Alex Telles, in the pecking order of who the club wants to take off salary this summer. However, with Euro 2024 due next summer and United keen to reshape their squad, there could be complicated discussions.»
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