Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has now spoke out about his future at Old Trafford just months after being linked with a move to Newcastle United.
The 30-year-old looked almost certain to leave Man United during the summer transfer window, having been stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag. He came close to a move to West Ham, only for that deal to collapse.
There was also a lot of noise about interest from Newcastle. It was reported late in the window that the Magpies could make a move for Maguire, after Sven Botman had suffered an injury during the defeat to Liverpool.
There was never anything concrete, but the names ‘Maguire‘ and ‘Newcastle United‘ did continuously find themselves next to each other in the gossip columns. We even saw pundits suggesting that the pair would be a good fit, with Shay Given hinting that Eddie Howe had made a mistake not making a move.
Since the transfer window has closed, Maguire has barely featured for Man United. He has started just one Premier League game, and it sounds like he will not put up with his lack of minutes for much longer.
Harry Maguire on his Manchester United future
Ahead of England’s game against Australia, Maguire spoke to Sky Sports about his game time at Manchester United and how it could impact his international career.
“I’m not going to sit here all my life and play once every month,” he said.
“If it carries on then I’m sure myself and the club will sit down and have a chat about things.
“But, honestly, at the moment I’m fully focused on two games for England, two big games.
“Then I’m fully focused on fighting and trying to get back my place at Manchester United and helping the team climb up the league to where we should be.”
Fresh Newcastle interest seems very unlikely
Based on what Maguire has said and how Ten Hag seemingly views him, it sounds like a move away from Manchester United is inevitable for the defender.
However, there is surely no way that Newcastle will reignite their interest. Even then, it is actually difficult to believe that there was any truth in the rumours over the summer.
While many pundits think Maguire would be a good fit at St James’ Park, the only way he is going to end up there is if there is an emergency and Newcastle panic in the transfer window – and that is not something they have done since the change of ownership.
He is a talented player who will likely do well away from Man United, but Newcastle will be casting their net elsewhere. Howe does want another centre-back, but it will be someone much younger who can be moulded and developed, rather than someone who is trying to rebuild his reputation.
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