Revealed: How Maguire reacted to Man Utd axe amid Chelsea links
Robin Bairner
- 24 Aug 2022 12:12 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is set for an important week prior to the transfer deadline, with Chelsea reportedly monitoring the England centre-back.
Despite Maguire’s questionable performances for Man Utd in recent months, new manager Erik ten Hag still sent shockwaves around Old Trafford with his decision to axe the defender from Monday’s Premier League encounter with Liverpool.
Following a 2-1 success, it highlighted that Maguire is not essential to the wellbeing of the first team and has led to speculation that he could be sold before the end of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea had been credited with an interest, and given that the Blues have had an offer for Leicester defender Wesley Fofana knocked back, could once again step up their pursuit of Maguire as they seek reinforcements late in the window.
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It might have been easy for Maguire to feel aggrieved at Ten Hag’s decision, particularly as the new manager has used him to impose himself at the club.
Instead, the Manchester Evening News reports that the 29-year-old has adopted a professional attitude to the decision.
“Maguire is understood to have accepted Ten Hag's decision and is grateful for the respect the Dutchman has shown him by retaining him as captain,” the paper states. “Sources have reiterated Maguire feels honoured to be at United and loves playing for the club that he joined three years ago.”
Furthermore, he does not feel that his place in England’s World Cup squad is under threat.
Man Utd are known to want to cut the number of centre-backs in their side, despite Eric Bailly set for a loan move to Marseille. As well as Maguire, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, they also have the likes of Victor Linelof, Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Teden Mengi on their books.
