Manchester United 'tell Harry Maguire he is free to leave'

Manchester United have reportedly told Harry Maguire that they are planning to sell him next year.

The 29-year-old kept hold of the captaincy over the summer following the arrival of new head coach Erik ten Hag, and he started the 2022-23 campaign in the team despite his struggles last term.

However, Maguire has not been first choice at the back since the middle of August, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane becoming the team's first-choice pairing at the back.

Victor Lindelof has also been selected ahead of the England international in recent weeks, suggesting that Ten Hag views the former Sheffield United youngster as his fourth-choice centre-back.

Maguire will represent England at the World Cup, but his long-term future at Old Trafford is unclear despite having another three years left to run on his contract.

© Reuters

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, the centre-back has been informed that Man United are planning to sell him in 2023.

Galetti claims that Leicester City, who sold Maguire to the 20-time English champions, are keeping a close eye on the situation, in addition to two other clubs from the Premier League.

Man United paid in the region of £80m to bring the defender to Old Trafford, but the journalist claims that he could now be available for as little as £26m.

Maguire played the full 90 minutes against West Ham United in the Premier League on October 30, but he was back on the bench against Aston Villa last weekend due to Lindelof's return.

Martinez is viewed as Man United's first pick at the back, with Varane also a certain starter when he is available, and the Frenchman is set to return for his club after the World Cup.

© Reuters

Maguire has made 153 appearances for the Red Devils since his arrival from Leicester in the summer of 2019, contributing seven goals and five assists in the process.

Speaking after Thursday's 4-2 win over Villa in the EFL Cup, Ten Hag backed Maguire to be "ready" for the World Cup, having played the full 90 minutes of the game with Unai Emery's side.

"I think that he is ready. I see him every day at training, I see his games. He came back from injury, but he is ready to perform on the highest level," said the Dutchman.

Maguire could be back on the bench for Sunday's game with Fulham depending on who Ten Hag selects at right-back, with Lindelof an option in that area, as Diogo Dalot will miss out through suspension.