Danny Murphy, a former England midfielder, has expressed his belief that Harry Maguire should leave Manchester United this summer. Maguire has lost his place in the United team and has been forced to play back-up to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez this season. Given his lack of playing-time at Old Trafford, Maguire may seek a new club at the end of the season, and United are said to be open to selling the 30-year-old if they receive a suitable offer.
Maguire has said he believes he has an “important role” to play during the final part of the season as United look to add the FA Cup and Europa League to their League Cup title. But Murphy cannot see a long-term future for Maguire at Old Trafford and believes the former Leicester City star will be at a new club next season.
Murphy told the Daily Mail, “Harry Maguire has so far defied the logic that you need to be a club regular to play well at a major tournament like the World Cup or Euros. But Gareth Southgate would still prefer him to be doing more than warm the bench at Manchester United. The defender has responded with great professionalism to dropping down the pecking order, but he doesn’t strike me as someone comfortable on the sidelines. I would be amazed if he’s not wearing another club shirt next season.”
Maguire played 90 minutes of England’s 2-1 victory over Italy on Thursday night as Gareth Southgate’s side made a bright start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. The Three Lions face Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday before domestic resumes next weekend.
It remains to be seen whether Maguire will leave Manchester United this summer, but it is clear that he needs regular playing time if he is to remain a key player for England. With United open to selling him, there may be plenty of suitors for his services, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up next season.