Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Harry Maguire’s time at the club is coming to an end.
As an expensive recruit many will want to point out how much Maguire cost United, but they are quick to forget that the England centre-back performed well in his first season at Old Trafford.
Maguire was a much more composed figure then and I can still remember fans complaining about him missing the Europa League final in 2021, which we lost to Villarreal on penalties.
It goes without saying that last season was a disaster for everyone at United, but Maguire was one of the worst offenders. He hasn’t been able to recover from that and Erik ten Hag’s arrival led to his exclusion from the starting line-up.
Maguire has made 15 appearances in the Premier League this season, which is 15 less than his managed at the end of last term.
In turn, Meulensteen thinks Maguire should look for a new club this summer.
“I still think the back line needs to be addressed,” Meulensteen told Manchester United’s official Scandinavian supporter’s club.
“It’s very clear that he (ten Hag) fancies Lisandro Martinez – which obviously is good because he’s been a fantastic defender so far, he’s a winner, he’s a competitor.
“In the left-back position he’s got a few options there, obviously, he’s got Luke Shaw there. As for the other centre-back, he’s played a lot of Raphael Varane but he’s obviously older, getting on. He’s an experienced, serial winner who knows what it is. But very injury prone, so I would also look for another one [centre-back].
“I don’t think Harry Maguire is the answer, and if I was Harry I would myself look for somewhere else.
“The right-hand side with Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot, two completely different right-backs: one gives far more going forward, the other is very good at defending. But at this moment in time, you need players that can do both.”
A lot will depend on whether there’s significant interest in Maguire at the end of the season. Surely one of the mid table Premier League sides will want to take a punt on him?
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