The next few months will be pivotal for Manchester United’s Harry Maguire as he attempts to revive his faltering football career.
The road back to being a stuck starter in United’s first team now looks very long due to the form of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez and also the 29-year-old’s unconvincing performance against Real Sociedad when he was handed the contract. chance to start.
If the World Cup were to be at the end of the season, Maguire would almost certainly be looking to move temporarily or permanently in January to try and ensure he retains his place in England.
But with November’s bizarre schedule, all the United captain can do now is hope that Gareth Southgate remains loyal to him despite his lack of minutes. If he is selected in the next international matches, his performances could be decisive for him going into the month before the big start in Qatar.
Of course, a dramatic loss of form or injury to Varane or Martinez could provide an opportunity for Maguire to regain his place in the United squad and that would come down to a straight choice now between him and Victor Lindelof, with Eric Bailly out. on loan and Phil Jones not even registered to play in the Premier or Europa League.
But while that could get Maguire over the finish line for Qatar, it could represent only a temporary respite at Old Trafford and even if there is a return to better form, the question remains whether the former Leicester City man will ever be. a ten. Hag type of player.
From United’s perspective, there could be a case for cashing in on a pricey asset in January that still has reasonable market value in its 30th year.
By next summer, Maguire will be 30 years old and there is also the uncertainty of what will happen at his June 7 court date, where he will appeal his 21-month suspended sentence for attempted bribery and aggravated assault in Mykonos.
If United’s other centre-backs are fit for January and another big club is battling injuries, the Red Devils could get much more than their £27m market value (according to transfermarkt.com).
A good World Cup could see that value rise even further and once again boost their profile on the international stage.
United could be particularly tempted by an overseas sale to avoid strengthening a Premier League opponent, while Maguire’s strengths may be better suited to a slower-paced league like Serie A or even La Liga.
Of course, there are a lot of “ifs” and “buts” in the above scenario, but it’s not unlikely. It would be to everyone’s advantage if Maguire moved in January and relaunched his career elsewhere.
