Harry Maguire faces a long-term exile at Manchester United after being cruelly fired by manager Erik ten Hag in favor of Varane and Martinez.
Ten Hag benched United’s captain for Monday’s 2-1 triumph over Liverpool, raising concerns that he may now be a constant fixture on the bench. Maguire was reportedly told last Thursday that he would not start against Liverpool, with Ten Hag preferring Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in central defense.
With the World Cup coming up this winter, Maguire’s United exile may have an affect on his England chances, as manager Gareth Southgate wants his players to be playing on a regular basis. With eight days until the transfer window closes, clubs may attempt to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Maguire by making a move for the 29-year-old, with Chelsea already expressing interest.
United’s defense was transformed by Varane and Martinez, who were joined by full-backs Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia, and Ten Hag is expected to stick with the quartet against Southampton on Saturday. Ten Hag stated that he dropped Maguire because he wanted more mobility and pace in his back-four, and that the victory over Jurgen Klopp’s team validated his choice.
Despite retaining Maguire as captain in the summer, Ten Hag cautioned the £80 million defender that the armband would not save him if he did not perform – and this has shown to be true. With Eric Bailly joining Marseille on loan, Maguire’s departure would leave United short of backup at centre-back, but he will not be content to sit on the bench with the World Cup approaching.
Ten Hag is also interested in Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who is now on loan at United. Ten Hag wants a goalkeeper to compete with De Gea for the No. 1 slot, despite De Gea’s performance in the Liverpool victory.
Ten Hag has chosen Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Trapp, 32, as the ideal option to push and potentially replace De Gea in goal. Cristiano Ronaldo will be permitted to leave Manchester United before the transfer deadline, according to Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo, like Maguire, was left out of United’s starting lineup against Liverpool, fueling his desire to find a new club. Fernandes, captain in Maguire’s absence, hinted that Ronaldo will depart United before the deadline a week from Thursday.
“I might know a thing or two, but I’m not going to say anything,” Fernandes added. “For the time being, he is a United player. I don’t know what his plans are for the future, whether he will or will not go. It is his choice. We must respect what he wishes to do, whatever it may be. If he stays, we’ll be glad; if he leaves because he believes it’s best for him, I’ll be personally happy for him.”