Harry Maguire looks set to be included in England’s squad for their upcoming international games despite the defender not starting for Manchester United this season.
The English defender may well receive game time due to Raphael Varane’s injury that he suffered against Nottingham Forest.
However, the former Leicester City defender looks set to be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
According to Rob Dorsett, of Sky Sports, Maguire will feature in England’s games against Ukraine and Scotland but his selection is down to the injury issues in the current international setup.
Injuries to John Stones and Tyrone Mings mean Maguire is seemingly a certainty to come back into the squad despite not featuring at all for Erik ten Hag’s side this season.
Maguire’s risk
There is surely a risk in Maguire playing for his national team despite the 30-year-old not having much game time to keep his fitness and his sharpness up.
Were Maguire to suffer an injury then United would have Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, and Lisandro Martinez as the only available senior centre-back options at Erik ten Hag’s disposal.
United are crying out for centre-back cover but, ironically, due to Maguire not receiving his compensation from the club to complete his move away, the defender will stay put and seemingly scupper United’s transfer plans.
Contract renewals
Due to Varane’s injury, it is possible that Evans, the former United academy graduate, could well sign a one-year contract according to Simon Stone of the BBC.
United need depth at centre-back and with little to no funds to be able to sign a defensive option, Evans and Maguire may well be relied upon to remain at the club and contribute when needed.
One big target for United next summer will need to be a younger, long-term centre-back option to partner Lisandro Martinez.
Varane’s injury and interest from the Middle East means his future may be away from Old Trafford.
The post Gareth Southgate has already made his mind up over Harry Maguire England call-up decision appeared first on United In Focus.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/chHseAB