Romano delivers significant Maguire update amid Man Utd centre-back chase

Harry Maguire could have his part to play in Manchester United’s defensive overhaul next season after winning over coach Erik ten Hag.

The former Manchester United captain appeared to be heading for the Old Trafford scrapheap last summer having been stripped of the armband and made available for transfer by the Dutchman.

A proposed move to West Ham fell through with the England international opting to stay and fight for his place.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

The second-most expensive centre back of all time has come back into form for the Red Devils and popped up with a goal against Fulham in the Premier League last week.

It’s been an admirable fightback from the 30-year-old, who could now stay for the long term with the club looking at defensive reinforcements. That’s if United fail to receive “important” offers for him according to Fabrizio Romano.

Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane are out of contract and expected to leave at the end of the season while Maguire and Victor Lindelof see their deals expire in 2025.

United are going to be short of centre-back options with players such as Matthijs De Ligt, Giorgio Scalvini and many others already linked ahead of the summer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new part-owner, and his INEOS company are expected to radically overhaul the club’s football department with the expected appointment of Dan Ashworth as a new sporting director.

Defence is a priority and although the English record champions are looking to spend big in that area, Maguire is one player who could still have a future at the club.

Romano says Maguire could have a future at Old Trafford

Whatever happens with incomings, Maguire’s United destiny is not linked to any potential new arrivals.

“From Harry Maguire’s point of view, it’s always been the same in the last year,” Fabrizio Romano said in his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside.

“The club are open to important proposals… or they’re happy with him staying. They’re not desperate to sell Maguire.

“Also in this case, we have to wait for a new director to arrive, and then Man United will decide how to proceed regarding many players.”