Harry Maguire is going nowhere this summer – as he plans to fight for his Manchester United career.
The England international, 31, who missed out on the Euros with a muscular injury, has returned for pre-season at Old Trafford fully fit and ready for action. Maguire, with one year left on his current deal, looks certain to start against Norwegian club Rosenborg on Monday in United’s opening friendly.
The £80million ex-Leicester man spent the close season continuing his recovery from the injury that sidelined him during the latter stages of last season, including United’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.
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Maguire even had a United physio join him on holiday in Portugal to monitor his progress and put him through some specific training sessions. That underlines the central defender’s determination to force his way back into Erik ten Tag’s thinking for the 2024-25 season.
Such a situation would have been inconceivable this time last year when Maguire, stripped of the captaincy, seemed on his way. Yet the Three Lions star appears to be winning his personal battle to convince Ten Hag that he can be a valuable asset to the squad.
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(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
The Dutchman was hugely impressed by Maguire’s attitude and form last year after recalling him to the first team amid a crippling injury crisis at the back. And the Reds boss is happy to keep him – rather than let him leave on the cheap before transfer deadline.
However, that decision will not stop United’s pursuit of a new world-class defender. Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite remain top targets.