Harry Maguire was only allowed to observe on Sunday as Manchester United secured a spot in the June 3 FA Cup final.
Against an astute Brighton team, the cagey semifinal resembled a game of chess at times, with two tacticians, Erik ten Hag and Roberto De Zerbi, always competing to outwit the other. When the 120 minutes were up, Victor Lindelof converted the go-ahead penalty after Solly March had missed high and wide.
For a United team that gave up possession and tried to capitalize immediately when opportunities presented themselves, it was far from vintage. However, praise must be given for containing a Seagulls team that has scored almost two goals per game in the league this season, especially given the available talent.
Due to the season-ending injury to Lisandro Martinez, Ten Hag's first-choice center back partnership was without a doubt missing. Raphael Varane can only hope to be healthy in time for the championship match against Manchester City. Maguire and Lindelof had been the obvious backups, but the former was sidelined after receiving a card in the quarterfinal victory against Fulham.
Due to Maguire's absence, Ten Hag was forced to start a new combination with Lindelof and a recovered Luke Shaw.
The England international, a natural left-back, has partnered with Varane numerous times this season and has looked comfortable doing so. It was the same photo next to the Swede.
Ten Hag's most fundamental need for a defensive pairing—a left-footer on the left and a right-footer on the right—is satisfied by Shaw and Lindelof. The two are more adept at playing out from the back and can step into strikers in a way that makes Maguire uncomfortable.
Ten Hag's most fundamental need for a defensive pairing—a left-footer on the left and a right-footer on the right—is satisfied by Shaw and Lindelof. The two are more adept at playing out from the back and can step into strikers in a way that makes Maguire uncomfortable.
Maguire might currently be considered Ten Hag's fifth-choice center back, with the defender undoubtedly thinking about leaving Old Trafford. The former Leicester City player is one of at least four United defenders who are anticipated to be sold this summer, along with Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, and Brandon Williams.
He turned 30 last month, and if he wants to be a member of Gareth Southgate's England team for the 2024 European Championships in Germany, he will need to play regularly. However, those minutes are unlikely to occur at United given the wealth of options at his disposal.
Roma Wants Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans, Leicester City's mid fielder and a transfer target for Manchester United, was 'intrigued' by AS Roma.
According to Calciomercato through Fichajes, Serie A powerhouse AS Roma is 'interested' in Youri Tielemans, a great player for Leicester City and a target for Manchester United.
However, the midfielder is being pursued by a number of teams. The 25-year-old's current deal with the Foxes is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, and he has no plans to stay with the King Power Stadium team any longer.
Tielemans is open to accepting a significant deal from Roma. The Serie A heavyweights are aware that they have their job cut out for them because teams like the Red Devils and Premier League foe Newcastle United are vying for the services of the midfielder.
The Belgian moved from AS Monaco to Leicester during the 2019 winter transfer window. The 25-year-old has since made a name for himself as a good player in the English first division.
However, the Foxes are currently experiencing a hard patch. The King Power Stadium team is engaged in a relegation battle and trying to stay in the Premier League.
Mourinho has been a great addition to Roma. The Giallorossi have advanced to the semifinals of the Europa League and are vying for a spot in the top four this season. They were successful in persuading Paulo Dybala to sign with them as a free agent last summer.
Christian Eriksen joined United in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer. The international from Denmark has proven to be a motivating addition to the Red Devils' powerhouse. The Old Trafford team doesn't appear to have any strong bench options, though.
The market offers a fantastic potential with Tielemans. A player of the Belgian's caliber is not always offered for free. Will Roma, though, spoil United's party by hiring the midfielder? Time will only tell.
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