Three clubs have expressed interest in signing Harry Maguire before the January transfer deadline and the Manchester United defender is reportedly ‘open’ to a move.
Few players have had more turbulent spells at Old Trafford than Maguire, who joined United in 2019 in an £80m move from Leicester City.
Maguire became the most expensive defender in history at the time and was soon appointed club captain by then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But a number of poor performances saw Maguire stripped of that role by Erik ten Hag and replaced by current skipper Bruno Fernandes.
The writing appeared to be on the wall for Maguire but he somehow managed to revive his Manchester United career and win over many of his critics.
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Maguire made 40 appearances for the Red Devils last season, scoring the winner in the remarkable Europa League quarter-final win over Lyon.
The 32-year-old has found regular game-time harder to come by this term and that is the main reason he is ‘open’ to a January move, according to reports in Italy.
The other reason Maguire is being linked with other clubs is the fact he is out of contract in the summer so this is United’s last chance to secure a fee from his sale.
A number of Italian clubs are believed to be weighing up offers for Maguire, including but not limited to Inter Milan, Napoli and Fiorentina.
A move to Napoli would see Maguire reunite with Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund and work under ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
Carrick’s to-do list – Four things he must fix quickly to halt slide
Manchester United were incredibly generous leading up to Christmas and over the festive period, handing out points at home to Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves before draws away to Leeds and Burnley.
But as is stands, they are firmly within touching distance of the Champions League spots, just a point off fifth place.
Even after being knocked out of the FA Cup, there is still plenty to salvage from the season – if Carrick and his staff can make some quick fixes.
Solve Sesko’s struggles up front
Benjamin Sesko has had some fleeting moments of promise this season but the jury is still out. At times, the Slovenia international has looked effective foil for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, holding the ball up and linking play intelligently in the final third.
But questions over his physicality and unconvincing finishing remain. His performance against Burnley largely summed things up – scoring twice with two excellent finishes in the second-half but only after a thoroughly wretched display in the opening 45 where he could barely keep the ball under control.
Another goal against Brighton on Sunday means the 22-year-old has scored more under Darren Fletcher than he did under Amorim. A change of system and playing style has offered early promise.
Abandon the dreaded 3-4-3
It would serve as a huge shock were Carrick to persist with the system that became nothing but a cross to bear for Amorim.
Carrick very rarely deviated from a 4-2-3-1 formation at Middlesbrough, sometimes to his detriment, with a lack of a ‘plan B’ often cited as one of the reasons his failed to achieve promotion.
But this system appears to be perfectly suited to the Red Devils squad. Too often it has been a case of square pegs in round holes for United over the last year. Simplifying matters may be the interim boss’ best course of action in the six months he has.
Reintegrate Mainoo and revive his United fortunes
As he may have been privately hoping for all season, Kobbie Mainoo has managed to outlast Ruben Amorim. With no Premier League starts to his name, it has been a miserable campaign but the change in system will surely open up a role in midfield for the 20-year-old.
United are desperately short of the controlling, calm presence Carrick once provided in the engine room. Who better to teach Mainoo the ropes.
It’s a two-way street – United need inspiration in midfield and Mainoo needs to deliver if he is to stand any chance of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad heading to the World Cup next summer. There can be no more excuses.
Unleash Fernandes in his old role
Restoring Mainoo to midfield and a shift in system could see Bruno Fernandes restored to the more advanced role where he has historically been at his prolific best in Manchester.
The Portugal international scored 44 goals and laid on 35 assists in his 97 games while Carrick served as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant, averaging 0.81 goal contributions per game.
It might require some tinkering with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo also in the picture but the rewards could be enormous.
Fernandes has performed admirably in his deeper role this season but it is further up the pitch where he is most dangerous. Amid reports the captain has had enough of Old Trafford, keeping him happy is a top priority.
Tony Mogan, live sports editor,
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United sanction Maguire’s departure or if new caretaker manager Michael Carrick has a say in the matter.
Carrick’s return to Old Trafford was confirmed on Tuesday, a little over a week since former United boss Ruben Amorim lost his job.
The ex-England midfielder has had two previous spells in temporary charge of Manchester United and clearly left an impression on Maguire.
Speaking after Carrick left his previous role as caretaker manager in 2021, Maguire said: ‘Michael is a really likable man, all the lads respect him and he’s been amazing with each and every one of us. We’re going to miss him.’
Carrick’s previous comments suggest he would be reluctant to lose the experienced centre-back this month.
‘I’m so pleased for Harry Maguire,’ Carrick said earlier in the season while working as a pundit. ‘He’s done some really good things for the football club, and he’s been through the mill at times as well.
‘He’s had some unfair times. But he’s come back unbelievably well and turned into a leader and a real talisman.
‘It takes a lot when you’re up against it. There’s no hiding place at a club like Manchester United. It’s fantastic.’
Even if Maguire does leave this month, he will still have made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, one of the most of any player in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
After drawing with Burnley and losing to Brighton under Darren Fletcher, Carrick’s first game in charge of United will be a Manchester derby against City.
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