‘Howe will appreciate his strength’: Danny Murphy tips Newcastle to sign out of favour World Cup star

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Pundit Danny Murphy has tipped Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to leave the club, backing him to join Newcastle United.

Writing a column for the Mail on Sunday, the former Liverpool midfielder praised the 29-year-old for his strong campaign out in Qatar.

Murphy claims the Red Devils captain could choose to leave Old Trafford if he isn’t given a chance in Erik ten Hag’s best XI.

“He deserves that opportunity after one of the comeback stories of the season,” the pundit said.

“Written off by most people, he was outstanding for his country, which says plenty about his strength of character. It has to be admired.

“The big question is whether his face fits with United manager Erik ten Hag and we’ll find out the answer soon.

“I don’t think the United captain will want to hang around Old Trafford beyond the summer as a bit-part player and there won’t be any shortage of interest if he’s allowed to leave.

“I can see him at Newcastle United, for example, where Eddie Howe will appreciate his strength and leadership.”

Maguire to Newcastle seems unrealistic

Bought for £80m, a world record fee for a defender, the Magpies would never spend that sort of money on a 29-year-old – especially one who warms the bench at his current club, having started just three Premier League games all season.

Newcastle signed Sven Botman for just £35m. At just 22-years-old, he has over a decade left at the top level, and what a player he has already become.

Although, as Murphy says, Howe would appreciate the leadership of Maguire in his back-line, the Toon squad is already full of numerous leaders.

Jamaal Lascelles, the captain of the club, is aided by the likes of Botman, Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes in his leadership group.

Whilst Maguire is a fantastic leader at United, he isn’t needed for that on Tyneside.

Furthermore, whilst the Red Devils skipper was very solid at the World Cup, for which he made it into Sky Sports’ team of the tournament, a prospective move to Newcastle still seems like a very unlikely possibility.