Manchester United captain Harry Maguire faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford after falling down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have established themselves as the first-choice centre-back pairing.
A solid end to the season for Victor Lindelof helped him gain an ‘untouchable’ status.
This effectively makes Maguire the fourth-choice centre-back, a status he won’t be happy with.
Recent reports suggest that the England international wants to stay at the club and fight for his place in the first team. However, this won’t benefit either Maguire or United.
One possible reason for Maguire to stay put could be his current £190,000 weekly salary.
Not many clubs would want to match that figure, especially to a player who has failed to perform for two consecutive seasons.
United should pay part of Maguire’s wages if that is a stumbling block to his potential departure.
The 30-year-old is not the future of the club. The Red Devils should cash in on him and use the funds to buy a young centre-back who suits Ten Hag’s style of play.
Maguire is a good defender when it comes to winning aerial duels, but he is not a great passer of the ball.
Martinez has shown that he is a great ball distributor. Unlike Maguire, he does not look to push the ball wide to the full-backs but tries to create space and play incisive passes through the middle.
The Dutchman has a long-standing interest in Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. The 21-year-old is familiar with Ten Hag’s tactical system and would be a valuable addition to the squad.
His ability to move into midfield and create a passing option would massively improve United’s build-up play.
United must be ruthless in this transfer window if they want to progress next season.
They must offload Maguire, who is currently valued at around £30 million, even if it means paying part of his wages.
