Harry Maguire makes transfer decision as Manchester United chase 2 targets

Harry Maguire is believed to have no plans to go anywhere this summer and is ready to fight for his place at Manchester United.

The 31-year-old England international, who missed Euro 2024 with a muscle injury, returned to Old Trafford for pre-season training in top condition and ready to play. With just a year remaining on his contract, Maguire is almost certain to start against Norwegian side Rosenborg in United’s first friendly on Monday.

The former Leicester man has used pre-season to continue his recovery from the injury that ruled him out during the latter stages of last season, including United’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.

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Indeed, Maguire even had a United physio with him on his holiday in Portugal to monitor his progress and conduct some targeted training sessions. It shows the defender’s determination to fight his way back into Erik ten Tag’s plans for the 2024-25 season.

Such a situation would have been unimaginable a year ago when Maguire, having been stripped of the captaincy, looked set to depart. However, the Three Lions star appears to be succeeding in his personal mission to convince Ten Hag that he still has plenty to offer the team, according to the Daily Star.

The Dutch boss was hugely impressed with Maguire’s form and attitude last year following his call-up to the first team amid a serious injury crisis in defence. The Reds boss is content to keep him rather than allow him to leave for a bargain deal ahead of the transfer deadline.

However, that decision will not stop United from looking for a new top-class defender, with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite remaining top targets.

United have made two bids for Branthwaite, 23, so far and on Saturday, The Athletic reported that Aston Villa are close to signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. It was reported that a move has almost been agreed between the two clubs for Onana to complete a move to Villa Park. It has been claimed that once the deal for Onana has been completed, Everton will no longer be under pressure to sell Branthwaite this summer.

Liverpool.com says: Maguire has received plenty of criticism in recent years, but he is a talented defender who would have played as England’s first-choice player at Euro 2024 if it weren’t for the muscle injury he suffered towards the end of last season. United would be foolish to let him leave Old Trafford this summer after his stellar performances last season.