Why Harry Maguire may force an exit from Manchester United

Harry Maguire, the Manchester United and England centre-back, is reportedly weighing up his options as he fears that his lack of playing time may jeopardize his chances of representing his country at Euro 2024.

The 30-year-old has started only five Premier League games since Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford in August, which proved to be a turning point in his career at the club.

Despite coming under intense criticism for his performances in a United shirt, Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has continued to select Maguire in his national squad for qualifiers and major tournaments.

However, Harry Maguire is now reportedly concerned that his limited playing time at the club could lead to his exclusion from future England squads. As a result, he is considering leaving Manchester United in the summer in order to secure more regular playing time elsewhere.

The Daily Mail reports that Maguire’s England teammate, Luke Shaw, has been preferred in the centre-back position by United manager Erik ten Hag. This has left Maguire with few opportunities to play and maintain his fitness, which he believes is necessary to perform at his best for England.

Maguire’s reported wages of £190,000 per week may also pose a challenge for potential suitors in the upcoming transfer window. While United have claimed that they are not interested in selling the defender, the prospect of cashing in on Maguire with two years remaining on his contract may be too tempting to resist.

Several clubs, including West Ham, Inter, and Roma, are reportedly monitoring the situation and could make a move for Maguire in the summer. However, it remains to be seen whether any of these clubs are willing to meet Maguire’s wage demands and United’s asking price for the defender.

Maguire joined Manchester United from Leicester City in 2019 for a world-record fee of £80m for a defender. Despite initially facing criticism for his performances, Maguire has since established himself as a key player for both Manchester United and England.