Manchester United have set a £50 million asking price for Harry Maguire as he prepares to hold talks with manager Erik ten Hag about his future, Manchester Evening News claim.
The centre-back had a disappointing 2022/23 campaign with the Red Devils. He made only 16 starts in all competitions – out of which only eight came in the Premier League.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were the regular centre-back pairing for Ten Hag while Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw were also preferred ahead of Maguire.
With the manager favouring a right and left centre-back combination, left-back Shaw made 11 starts from the role when Martinez was unavailable to be picked.
Hence, it is clear that Maguire is the fifth-choice central defender in the squad, but M.E.N claim that United are not actively looking to sell him this summer.
United are reluctant to offload Maguire for anything less than £50m. The Red Devils believe they would need an upgrade if Maguire were to head for the exit door.
As things stand, United’s valuation could prevent Maguire from leaving unless there is a compromise on the fee.
Maguire going nowhere after fresh asking price
Maguire had a difficult season with the Red Devils and he should be concerned.
He has been an undisputed starter for England since his debut in October 2017. However, manager Gareth Southgate has warned him that he could lose his place with the increasing competition.
Hence, the Red Devils captain may want to pursue a new challenge away from Old Trafford, but it is highly unlikely to happen if the club are reluctant to lower the £50m asking price for him.
Maguire has another two years left on his contract with the option for another 12 months. However, he has now crossed 30, and no club will pay such a fee for a fringe player at United.
Another big concern is his current wages. Maguire was earning £190,000-a-week last season, and his salary could rise further after United’s qualification for the Champions League.
United may need to hand him a significant pay-off to accept a pay-cut elsewhere. In our view, Maguire is going nowhere, but the scenario could change if United lower the fee to £30m.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
