Harry Maguire 'to meet with Erik ten Hag for crunch talks'

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire will reportedly meet with new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag 'in the coming days' to discuss his position at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old made 37 appearances at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring twice, but his form throughout the season was widely criticised.

Maguire also only started one of Man United's last final five Premier League matches of the season, although he was absent for the clashes against Chelsea and Brentford due to a knee problem.

The Red Devils are planning to sign at least one new central defender this summer, leading to suggestions that Maguire could be moved on in the upcoming market.

However, the club captain still has more than three years left to run on his contract, with the option of a further 12 months, and he was a huge investment for the club back in August 2019, costing £80m from Leicester City.

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Maguire's position as skipper is thought to be in doubt, though, with a recent report claiming that David de Gea, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo were options to replace him.

Speaking during his first press conference earlier this week, Ten Hag revealed that he was looking forward to working with the England international next season.

"I have to repeat that next season is a different season but I think he did a great job. He's a great player, he's achieved already a lot really also [with his] contribution to Manchester United. So I'm looking forward to working with him," said the Dutchman on Monday.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Maguire will have 'a direct conversation with Ten Hag in the coming days'.

Romano claims that the central defender, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona, wants 'to understand the club's plans' and where he fits in under the new head coach.

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Man United are believed to be discussing moves for Ajax's Jurrien Timber and Villarreal's Pau Torres during this summer's transfer window.

A new right-back could also arrive in the upcoming market, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka is believed to have been made surplus to requirements at Old Trafford ahead of next season.

The 20-time English champions are also planning to sign a new central midfielder and a centre-forward, although they will not be able to offer Champions League football to proposed new signings next season, with the club set to feature in the group stage of the Europa League.

A number of players will also depart Old Trafford this summer, with Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic all leaving on free transfers at the end of June.

Meanwhile, Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Anthony Martial could also leave the club ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.