Harry Maguire has ‘option’ to join new club as Man United exit edges closer
Harry Maguire’s long-term future at Man United has come into question with less than a year remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old has made seven appearances so far this season, but just three of those have come from the start, while he has played 90 minutes just once.
Man United dismissed enquiries about Maguire during the summer transfer window as he remained a key part of the manager’s plans for the season.
However, renewed interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League has reignited the speculation about his future, with contract talks due to take place.
Ruben Amorim has been slammed for his treatment of Maguire as a result of his inconsistent minutes, raising questions about whether he could leave the club.
Ruben Amorim to make Harry Maguire decision
Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Amorim is pushing Maguire out of Man United amid a feeling he deserves to start more games.
The former England international has been consistently impressive in the back line at Old Trafford, but uncertainty has emerged about whether he could be allowed to leave.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Amorim will assess the defender’s level before making a decision.
“Man United are in a strong position over Maguire’s future,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re in the best place to make a decision about his fitness, longevity, and whether they think he can do a job for them beyond the end of the season.
“As far as I’m concerned, he’s one of their most consistent players and he does things defensively that some players don’t seem willing to do.
“But there have been questions about whether he can get into the team in that back three.
“In a back four, there’s no doubt, but Amorim is wedded to his system which could mean Maguire struggles to play regularly, as he has so far.
“The manager then will have to make a decision about whether he’s going to be valuable enough to keep at the club, whether that’s on or off the pitch.
“So I’m sure they’ll sit down and talk about his contract, discuss what both parties are looking for, and then they’ll come to a conclusion.
“There is this interest from Saudi Arabia, so if United decide against keeping him, it look like that’s going to be an option for Maguire.”
Brown previously told Football Insider that Maguire could be tempted to leave Man United and move to Saudi Arabia if he does not play more regular minutes.
Man United make Maguire contract plan
Brown told Football Insider in May that Man United plan to offer Maguire a new contract as they are keen to keep him beyond the expiry of his current deal.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his position, Amorim has seen him as a valuable part of the squad given his leadership and experience at the back.
However, they will have to decide whether those qualities balance out against the money involved and his influence on the pitch long-term.
Man United were adamant Maguire was not for sale in August as he remains part of the manager’s plans, but could be powerless to letting him leave in 2026.
Should the interested Saudi Pro League sides opt to step up their interest, there is a growing feeling United may decide to part ways at the end of the season.
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