I don’t care about the amount the club is going to be losing but he needs to leave. He is not part of the plans for the club” – A decision has been made: Erik ten Hag wants a Manchester United player to depart, and the transfer is expected to result in a significant financial loss for the club.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, seems to have made a clear decision regarding Harry Maguire’s future, indicating that the defender is not part of his plans going forward. Reports suggest that Maguire may be permitted to leave the club for a significantly lower fee in the upcoming January transfer window. This would represent a major shift for the England international, who was the world’s most expensive defender when he joined Old Trafford from Leicester City in 2019 for a record £80 million.

Maguire’s tenure at Manchester United has been tumultuous, as the towering center-back has struggled to meet the expectations tied to his substantial price. Initially regarded as a vital component of United’s defense, particularly under previous managers, his performance has notably declined in recent seasons. Under Ten Hag’s guidance, Maguire has found himself increasingly sidelined, unable to secure a regular starting position. According to the Daily Star, the club may consider parting with him for as low as £10 million in January, a considerable drop from the £80 million they paid to acquire him.

This potential exit reflects a wider shift in United’s defensive strategy. Since Ten Hag assumed control, there has been a clear focus on revamping the defense, with significant investments in players like Lisandro Martinez, who joined from Ajax, and Matthijs de Ligt, who was linked to the club before transferring to Bayern Munich. Additionally, emerging talents like Leny Yoro further diminish Maguire’s chances of regaining a regular role. With these new additions strengthening the defense, it’s understandable that Maguire has fallen down the depth chart.

Although West Ham previously showed interest in Maguire, the current situation appears more uncertain. At this point, no specific clubs have been publicly connected to a potential transfer, complicating Manchester United’s efforts to offload him. Finding a buyer willing to meet even the lowered asking price could be difficult, particularly given Maguire’s recent performance decline and the reputation he has developed at the club.

Despite these hurdles, Maguire retains attributes that might appeal to mid-table Premier League teams or lower-tier clubs seeking defensive support. His leadership, experience at both club and international levels, and physicality could be valuable assets for teams aiming to strengthen their defenses. However, the absence of immediate interest raises questions about where he might realistically land by the close of the January transfer window.

For Manchester United, the choice to sell Maguire for a fraction of his initial price might appear as a financial setback, but it could also be a strategic decision to create space in the squad and minimize losses. Ten Hag is clearly constructing a team that aligns with his vision, and despite Maguire’s strengths, he no longer fits into that framework. The defender’s potential departure could also pave the way for further investments in other areas as United strives for success both domestically and in European competitions.

In summary, the upcoming January transfer window may signal the end of Maguire’s tenure at Manchester United. His departure would close a chapter that began with much excitement but ultimately fell short of expectations. While Maguire may not have a future at Old Trafford, his experience and defensive skills suggest he could still find a place in another Premier League team. The challenge for both the player and the club will be to identify a suitable buyer willing to take him on at a reduced fee.