Sources have told ESPN that Maguire can, on occasion, focus too much on social media criticism despite being advised to stay off Twitter in the immediate aftermath of matches. It didn’t help last season that he also became caught up in dressing room politics involving Cristiano Ronaldo. According to sources, Ronaldo wanted to be captain and said as much to Rangnick, who took over as caretaker when Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021. Rangnick declined.
Ten Hag decided to keep Maguire as captain last summer, but made a point to his squad that no player was guaranteed a place in the team and that everyone would be judged on form. Because Ten Hag wants a right-footed player paired with a left-footed player in the centre of defence, Maguire has been competing for one place with Varane and hasn’t done enough to dislodge the Frenchman since he was dropped for United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool in August.
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Sources have told ESPN that United’s coaching staff like Maguire’s ability on the ball, but they also have concerns about his tendency to rush out to win challenges and a perceived lack of mobility. Opportunities have been few this season, largely because United have only lost three times when Varane and Martinez have started together.
If Maguire did decide to find a new club this summer, what options does he have? There was interest from West Ham in January, but the England defender decided to stay and fight for his place. He has a contract at United until 2025 with the option of another year, though there will be more clubs eyeing up a move in the summer after he’s spent a season on the sidelines.
United need to sell to boost the summer transfer budget, and it’s likely any reasonable offer for Maguire will be considered, particularly if Ten Hag firms up his interest in Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. Asked in Italy to defend his record, Maguire came out swinging, but when it comes to United career at least, it might be time to throw in the towel.
