In anticipation of a busy summer, it appears that Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was persuaded to quit Old Trafford in search of more playing time by Rio Ferdinand and both current Red Devils.
For the duration of Erik ten Hag's first season as United's manager, the center back has been on the bench because the Dutchman prefers the center-back partnership of Raphael Varane and summer acquisition Lisandro Martinez.
Maguire is reported to be one of the most well-known players on Ten Hag's list of players who are planning to leave Old Trafford this summer. The manager of United is eager to cut his bloated roster before the upcoming season, so as many as 13 of the present crop might say goodbye in the upcoming months.
Some well-known figures think that Maguire would actually benefit from ending his United chapter; Ferdinand seems to agree.
The former Manchester United star has frequently expressed his opinion that it is time for Maguire and United to split ways, with Ferdinand wondering why the 30-year-old was still a member of the team in January.
More recently, Ferdinand urged Maguire to discover a new side while speaking on the podcast for his FIVE YouTube channel.
"I think he needs to. If he wants to resurrect his career he has to go in the summer. He cannot stay there and play second fiddle. If he genuinely wants to stay as an England player and get back on track."
The Manchester United's captain should be concerned to learn that it appears England manager Gareth Southgate concurs. The Three Lions manager has frequently been charged with over-relying on Maguire and giving the former Leicester player playing time that was not warranted by his club form.
Even Southgate acknowledged that Maguire's restricted playing time this season might have an impact on the international stage.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Southgate highlighted Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, both of whom were selected for England's squad for the forthcoming Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
"Inevitably it’s not a situation that can continue forever," he said of Maguire.
"It’s like Kalvin Phillips, they are important players for us and with Kalvin we haven’t got many players who can play as that single [midfield] pivot."
The writing is on the wall for Maguire's United career because he is now essentially United's fifth-choice central defender behind Varane, Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and even typical left-back Luke Shaw.
Maguire may need to leave Manchester this summer if he wants to keep his England contract alive.
Meanwhile, England internationals Mason Mount and Harry Kane are the top targets for Manchester United during the congested summer transfer season.
Harry Kane, 29, is on Erik ten Hag's summer wish list for United, who are in desperate need of a central striker for Old Trafford. United is in severe need of a top-tier center striker and is hopeful that a deal can be reached due to Kane's contractual status.
Mount has stated his wish to join United in the event that Chelsea decides to move him this summer. He also has a contract that expires in the summer of 2024, like Kane, so he might be less expensive this summer.
Since several attacking players have joined Chelsea during the past two transfer windows, Mount's future at the West London club is in doubt. He is not currently among the top 20 paid players in the league. He is reportedly available for around £55 million.
At the international level for England, where several United stars also compete, Kane and Mount have been teammates for years. These players include Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw. Kane has already expressed his admiration for Mount as a result.
"Mason [Mount] is a fantastic player, great on the ball, great worth ethic," Harry Kane stated back in 2021.
"He wins balls back, makes tackles, it’s an underrated part of his game.He’s a truly special player and it’s great for him to playing in a Champions League final in a few weeks’ time. He was great again against Real Madrid (in the Champions League semi-final).”
With up to 13 players expected to leave the club this summer, United is in the market for a lot of players. They intend to acquire a new starting striker, an attacking midfielder, a goalkeeper, a center defender, and a right-back.
Those who are available for transfer include Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, and Brandon Williams. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe will also be transferred after their contracts expire.
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