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Harry Maguire 'set for talks over Manchester United future regardless of Erik ten Hag fate'

By Devesh Jaganath | 29 May 2024

Maguire 'set for talks over Man Utd future regardless of Ten Hag fate'

Harry Maguire is reportedly preparing to open discussions with Manchester United regarding his future at the club as he enters the final year of his contract.

The 31-year-old, who arrived for a record-setting £85m from Leicester City in 2019, has endured a difficult time at Old Trafford in the last couple of seasons, which saw him stripped of the captaincy in 2023.

The England international was linked with a move to West Ham United last summer, but the transfer fell through as he committed to staying and fighting for his place under Erik ten Hag.

With the club expected to undergo a post-season assessment of both their players and manager, there is still significant uncertainty over the future of the Red Devils' centre-back.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks dejected after Chelsea are awarded a penalty on April 4, 2024 © Reuters

Maguire determined to remain at Old Trafford next season and beyond

However, according to The Sun, Maguire is determined to remain at Old Trafford for the upcoming season, irrespective of whether Ten Hag continues as manager or is replaced.

The defender's contract at the Theatre of Dreams has only one year remaining, plus an option to extend for a further 12 months, but he aims to prolong his tenure after featuring in a total of 31 matches this season.

The report adds that Maguire will hold talks with the club's hierarchy in the coming months, likely after the conclusion of Euro 2024 in Germany.

The 31-year-old is expected to play a significant role for England at Euro 2024 this summer, having been named in manager Gareth Southgate's provisional squad.

Maguire seemed poised to spend another season mostly on the sidelines after not making his first Premier League start until October, but United's persistent injury woes provided him with an opportunity to secure regular playing time.

He netted four goals for the club this term, one of which was the decisive winner against Copenhagen in the Champions League back in October.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire celebrates scoring their first goal with Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane on October 24, 2023 © Reuters

Maguire's battle to return to Man Utd's first team

Having to compete for his spot in the squad following the arrivals of both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Maguire spoke openly about the determination and drive that were required to reignite his form.

In an interview with ManUtd.com, the former Red Devils skipper admitted, "In football, you don't go through a 15-year career without being sat on the bench at all.

"Last season probably was the first time in my career where I've had to do that. "I said to myself I'd remain patient, I'd do everything I can off the field when I'm not playing to help the lads, because I play for this club for it to be successful, whether I'm playing or not.

"Every day I came to training, tried to drive the standards, drive the training, to make sure we were working at an intensity that enabled us to get three points."

Maguire was sidelined for the FA Cup final due to a muscular injury, but he remains optimistic about his chances of recovering in time to contribute to England's Euro 2024 campaign this summer.

He skipped going on vacation with his family and is accelerating his rehabilitation amid a growing hope that he will be in contention for the Three Lions' opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.