Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has endured a tough third season at the club and his future has been thrown into doubt amid the appointment of Erik ten Hag.
Maguire has three years remaining on the six-year deal he signed in 2019, meaning any departure this summer is difficult but BeIN Sports presenter Richard Keys has suggested that Chelsea should make a move for the England international.
Amid their tumultous takeover, there have been suggestions that the London club should target a homegrown spine, with Declan Rice and Harry Kane among the players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Keys, speaking on a BeIN Sports broadcast alongside Andy Gray, insisted that Maguire’s poor season at United doesn’t make him a bad player.
🗣️ "If Chelsea want an English spine… Declan Rice, Kane, Harry Maguire?"
😲 "What, are you serious?"
Andy Gray is less than impressed with @richardajkeys' suggestion for a new @ChelseaFC English contingent… 🏴#beINPL #CFC
Watch Now 👉 https://t.co/NRYe31nXnO pic.twitter.com/W7LpMRJTzn
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 15, 2022
Read more: Erik ten Hag has decided the future of one Man Utd coach – report
“If Chelsea want an English spine, which has been suggsted,” Keys said before listing potential suitors, as seen above. “They need a centre-back, where’s their centre-back? Harry Maguire.”
The suggestions was laughed off by his co-presenter: “Are you serious?” Gray asked.
“Yes,” Keys responded. “That (his poor season) doesn’t make him an awful player. He’s had a bad season along with at least 14 other Manchester United regulars.”
SN’s verdict…
Chelsea signing Harry Maguire is definitely a longshot but the captain’s future at Old Trafford is far from certain. United made a sizeable investment when they signed him three years ago so the club will be desperate to make good on it.
It remains to be seen whether he maintains his captaincy status under Erik ten Hag. Ultimately, a decision on his future will be taken by Manchester United’s next manager.
