Maguire inspires Man Utd to make UNEXPECTED January transfer decision

Robin Bairner

27 Oct 2023 07:47 BST
3 min read

Harry Maguire, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Manchester United’s outgoing players during the January transfer window are now being finalised, with Anthony Martial set to be handed a stay of execution by the Old Trafford side.

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After a disappointing start to the season, there is a sense that manager Erik ten Hag still has significant deadwood among his squad that needs to be gotten rid of, yet there is unlikely to be a dramatic facelift in the mid-season transfer period.

Martial might have been one of the more obvious players to offload given the France international has scored only once this season and has primarily been a substitute while he is under contract until the end of the season, meaning this is United’s last chance to get a fee for him before he departs for nothing in July.

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However, TeamTalk reports that Martial wants to stay at Man Utd and the club are willing to retain him – at least until the summer.

With Ten Hag’s men still fighting for silverware on several fronts, Martial is seen as a player who can act as valuable backup to Rasmus Hojlund, who is waiting on his first Premier League goal.

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Meanwhile, it is claimed that Martial has taken heart from Harry Maguire’s redemption at Man Utd, inspiring him to believe that he can turn his personal situation around.

The centre-back finds himself back in favour at Old Trafford after a couple of stoic performances and a match-winning goal in the Champions League encounter with FC Copenhagen this week.

Man Utd to allow two players to leave in January

Maguire’s recent good form will be enough to keep him from leaving in January, while there are also no plans for midfielder Scott McTominay to depart the club mid-season.

On the other hand, Donny van de Beek, who is presently out injured, will be put on the transfer list in January, while Jadon Sancho is up for sale as his feud with Ten Hag progresses with no end in sight.