A major summer is on the horizon and preparations are justifiably already being drawn up at Manchester United.
Erik Ten Hag has done an excellent job in leading his new team as far as he has this season considering the wreckage he inherited, but there is still a long way to go. United wants to be one of the clubs competing for the Premier League champions next season, and more squad improvements will be required throughout the transfer window.
In contrast to the incompetence that has plagued them for the last decade, United seems to be planning for such a vital off-season well in advance. A striker is a priority, with Harry Kane mentioned as the top target. It will be tough to entice him away from Spurs, therefore a strong backup squad of Victor Osimhen, Rasmus Hojlund, Mohamed Kudus, Goncalo Ramos, and Randal Kolo Muani is in place.
Ideally, the situation will be similar in midfield. United would want to recruit Jude Bellingham, but beating Manchester City or Real Madrid to his signing would be almost impossible, thus alternatives must be considered. Whoever is signed, will undoubtedly cost large money to fill the jobs, as well as others that need filling, so sales will be required to supplement the budget.
United is already ahead in that regard. Harry Maguire, Alex Telles, Anthony Martial, and Brandon Williams have all been made available, as has Eric Bailly if he fails to make the number of games necessary to extend his loan at Marseille. Dean Henderson is also expected to leave after scorching bridges with his brief transfer to Nottingham Forest.
Plans aren’t fixed in stone, and there’s always time to alter your mind before the window opens, which Maguire may be doing. It doesn’t speak much of him that he has been identified for a departure as the club’s captain, but it’s not ᴜnҽxрҽcтҽԀ considering his awful performances earlier in the season. Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw have all sat him out for the bulk of the season.
But, after starting three of the previous five games and maintaining clean sheets against Everton and Real Betis, the center-back has looked much more collected and authoritative. Ten Hag praised his play after the victory against the Toffees.
“It’s not easy for Harry, and if you then provide the performance he did today, well done,” Ten Hag said.
“Dominating and dictating, in and out of possession.” That was my request to him, and he included it in the pitch.
“This is not the Harry Maguire I saw in the first few weeks and months. He’s showing a lot of initiative, overpowering his opponent, moving in, delivering passes, so it’s a pretty good effort from Harry.”
For a long time, it seemed like Maguire’s career at Old Trafford was over, but there might be a late reprieve. Particularly considering that he is 30 years old and has a dwindling reputation, United is unlikely to get anything for him.
It could be better to sell Victor Lindelof instead. The Swedish has become something of a forgotten man in 2023, having just started twice in the league and seemed to have been passed in the pecking order by Maguire. His contract has one year less left than his colleague’s, and at 28 he is in a far better position to demand a decent price. Lindelof has also been linked with much more clubs, with Inter and Juventus reportedly keen.
With his paucity of playing time, Lindelof said last month that he will think about his future. “Of course, you want to play every game as a player, and I haven’t done that this season,” Lindelof said. “But, as I usually ᵴɑү when I come here [for international duty], it’s a joy to be here, and I’m always proud to serve my country.”
“I’m looking forward to the games we have, and I told Janne [Sweden’s manager] earlier that I was excited to come here and perform, and to be on the field with the lads again.”
“As I said, I want to play, that’s why I play football, I want to play games, but I haven’t thought about it [transfer away], for now, I’m just focused on the national team and the remainder of the season with the club.” Then, in the summer, we’ll reassess and see what works best.”
Maguire has been on United’s transfer list for months, but given his current form, it’s not out of the question that Lindelof takes his position. Even if he does stay, Maguire’s role as club captain may have to alter, since he would still be a backup to the first-choice duo, and it seems unsustainable to have your skipper on the bench. Yet he is demonstrating that he has the potential to improve and is proving to be a viable option.
Everyone expects Maguire to leave Old Trafford this summer, but don’t be shocked if he stays.
