Maguire set for exit as Man Utd look to 'revamp' defence

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 20 Jan 2024 13:37 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United will look to revamp their defence this summer in a plan which could once again see Harry Maguire pushed towards the exit door in order to raise funds.

Erik ten Hag had been desperate to bring in a centre-back in the summer, with Jean-Clair Todibo and Benjamin Pavard high on his wishlist, however the failure to sell Maguire meant United could not afford to sign a replacement.

United had accepted an offer of £30 million for Maguire from West Ham but the player rejected the move and opted to fight for his place at Old Trafford, forcing the club to postpone their ambition of making a marquee defensive signing.

Maguire’s decision to remain at the club appears to have been vindicated, with the 30-year-old already having played more minutes this season than the entirety of the previous campaign after forcing his way back into Ten Hag’s plans.

But Maguire could be one of many departures in defence for United in the summer, with ESPN reporting that the club will listen to offers for him along with Victor Lindelof, while Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane could leave on free transfers.

United’s targets to replace their stars include Todibo, Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, while Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey is also said to have admirers at the club after impressing in Champions League clashes aganst Ten Hag’s side this season.

United looking to spend big in the summer after Ratcliffe investment

United will continue to look towards wholesale changes to their squad in the summer as they wait for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% stake in the club to be ratified by the Premier League, with confirmation expected in February.

The Red Devils spent more than £200m in the summer and they will be expecting to spend a large amount once again this year, with a forward and midfielder also likely to be targeted.

However, purchases will need to be supplemented by money raised through sales of players such as Maguire and Casemiro, while the expiring contracts of Varane and Anthony Martial could see a significant amount of wages freed up.

Varane’s future remains uncertain with United currently unwilling to take up the one-year option in his contract due to his injury concerns combined with his high wages, with the club looking to tie him down to a longer deal on a reduced salary.