Manchester United star’s future in major doubt — Newcastle United tipped to explore deal

Harry Maguire’s future at Manchester United is in major doubt after Erik ten Hag hinted at a potential exit.

The England international has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford having made just eight Premier League starts in 2022-23. Ten Hag has preferred summer signing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, while Luke Shaw has also deputised at centre-back.

Ten Hag admits Maguire has a big decision to make over his future and hinted he’d understand if the 30-year-old decides to leave. Despite all the scrutiny that has surrounded the 30-year-old this season, he’s remained club captain.

Asked about Maguire, the Dutchman said: “He has high competition there with Raphael Varane, who’s fantastic.

“No-one would be happy with this situation [not playing]. He’s not as well. He trains always on best levels, with 100 percent effort.

“So he handles that situation well and he’s in that manner and in his captaincy he’s important for the squad. Let’s say I’m happy he’s here and when we needed him he did his job, but it’s also a decision he has to make [over whether he leaves].”

After sealing Champions League qualification, it’s unlikely Newcastle United would launch a move for Maguire, despite former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy insisting it’d be a good choice.

Speaking in January, Murphy said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if someone like Eddie Howe went for Maguire as another choice for them. A club like Newcastle could do a lot worse than get someone like Maguire.

“He’s got leadership qualities, he’s learnt at United. Yes, he’s had a little bad spell but a lot of it has been good. He’s done brilliantly on the international stage at big tournaments, he’s great on set-plays, he’s a good character.

“He’s not a ‘big time Charlie’, he’s humble, he looks like a great lad, good family, good support network around him. He’s going to have many takers.”

Maguire has made 175 appearances for the Red Devils since joining from Leicester City for £80million.

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