Harry Maguire sends a clear message to Erik ten Hag as he trains with Chelsea icon
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is no longer guaranteed a starting spot in Erik ten Hag's XI and might leave for a Premier League rival this summer.
Despite being on vacation, Harry Maguire is working hard to keep his chances of staying at Manchester United alive.
Maguire, 30, has dropped down the pecking order at Manchester United. Last season, the England international made just eight Premier League starts, with Erik ten Hag frequently preferring Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and even Luke Shaw at center-back.
Maguire, who is still United's captain, is thought to want to stay with Ten Hag's squad and compete for a starting spot. He wasn't supposed to return to pre-season until this week, but he chose to cut his vacation short to work with Ricardo Carvalho.
After winning trophies in Portugal, England, and Spain, the former Chelsea player was regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs of his period. Carvalho's longevity was one of his best assets, as he won Euro 2016 with Portugal at the age of 38.
On Instagram, Maguire shared photographs of himself working with Carvalho and teammate Diogo Dalot. "There are no boundaries," he added. "There will be no excuses." Maguire also re-posted a photo of himself and Carvalho on his Instagram account, captioning it, "Working hard with the best."
While United has resumed pre-season training, Maguire and 14 other players were allowed an extended rest after representing their respective countries in June. Mason Mount, a new £60 million signing, was among those involved in the first week of pre-season training.
Maguire will have to work hard to regain his place in Ten Hag's plans after a difficult season under the Dutchman, who was appointed by United a year ago. After his £80 million move from Leicester in July 2019, the Englishman became the most expensive defender in history.
Maguire was a reliable performer at the heart of United's defense during his first two seasons at Old Trafford, missing only four Premier League games, but he has struggled for form in the previous two years. Ten Hag is said to be willing to let him go.
The Euro 2020 finalist has two years left on his deal, but United will struggle to recoup the £80 million they paid for him four years ago. They are apparently asking for £50 million for his services, but even that will be a stretch. West Ham are interested in signing him.
The Hammers, who will get £105 million if Declan Rice's deal to Arsenal is completed, value Maguire at roughly £35 million. They will, however, struggle to match the salary of the United captain, who is reported to earn £200,000 per week. A loan move may be more feasible.
Maguire needs to play more often to keep his place in the England team. Gareth Southgate stated last month, "It is then hard when that competition gets more even and you are not playing regularly to see their form, see their fitness, so that is the challenge for everybody."
Despite his recent problems, Maguire is still an exceptional player with a strong resume. The Carabao Cup champion has been crowned Player of the Year at Sheffield United, Hull City, and Leicester City, as well as being named to the Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament.
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