Maguire facing Man United axe after ‘big’ transfer update from reliable journalist – pundit
Kevin Phillips has claimed Harry Maguire’s position at Man United would be under “certain pressure” if Antonio Rudiger was signed next year.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League striker insisted Rudiger, 28, would be “serious competition” for Maguire, 28.
According to Bild’s Christian Falk (15 December), United are interested in signing Rudiger in 2022.
Ralf Rangnick is said to know the Germany international’s brother and agent Sahr Senesie “very well”.
Rudiger has just six months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge with talks over an extension proving so far unfruitful.
When asked by Football Insider if Rudiger was needed at Old Trafford, Phillips said: “Rudiger would be serious competition.
“I think Maguire would handle it with no problem whatsoever. A player of Rudiger’s calibre might actually help Maguire. It might up his game and get the best out of him.
“It would be a big statement if United did bring in another centre-half like Rudiger. The pressure would certainly be on Maguire if it happened.
“You want competition for places at a club like Manchester United though. That is how you get the best out of players week in, week out.
“It has not been a great season for Maguire but he is a quality player.”
Maguire has struggled for the Red Devils this season.
He has helped his side keep just five clean sheets in his 18 appearances across all competitions.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Man United ‘investors are twitchy’ after £827million stock market news from last week.