Pundit Gary Neville wants to see Harry Maguire stay at Manchester United and thrive under a new ownership at Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire’s turnaround this season has really been something to watch.
The defender looked poised to leave United over the summer having been stripped of the captaincy.
A move to West Ham United appeared to be on the cards before Maguire decided to stay put at United and fight for his future.
That decision was mocked by some, but Maguire has nailed down a first-team spot once again and has been impressive for United in recent weeks.
Gary Neville backs Harry Maguire for Manchester United future
Maguire has been solid defensively of late and is now about to win the Premier League Player of the Month award.
This is a simply incredible turnaround for the 30-year-old, even if some still think that he should be moved on.
We can understand to a degree; Maguire is playing well in a struggling United side but if the club is to get back to winning Premier League titles, better defenders may be needed.
Gary Neville has now stated on Stick to Football that Maguire is somebody he would keep around at Old Trafford even if there is a squad overhaul.
Neville went through the United squad, asking Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane and Ian Wright whether they would keep, sell or give them a final chance.
Carragher, Keane and Wright all said that they would move Maguire out of the club but Neville suggested that he deserves a ‘last straw’ opportunity.
Neville would like to see Maguire given a chance to shine once Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his investment into United.
We know that Ratcliffe won’t be a new owner per se, but it will feel that way seizes control of football operations.
Former United right back Neville seemingly feels that Maguire could shine around a more positive atmosphere and wants to see him in a new United side.
“I want to see him under a new ownership,” said Neville. “I’ve seen Harry Maguire play well for England, I’ve seen him play well, I want to see him have one last chance,” he added.
United’s centre back ranks could look very different in 2024
United are likely to at least keep Maguire until next summer now, but we are expecting the centre back ranks to look rather different before the start of next season.
Raphael Varane is clearly down the pecking order right now and we would expect him to leave in 2024.
Victor Lindelof’s contract expires at the end of the season and whilst United do have a one-year option in the deal, his future isn’t secure.
Jonny Evans was a short-term signing and we would be surprised if he is at United next season.
That leaves Maguire and Lisandro Martinez and United may need to sign multiple centre backs to build Ten Hag’s squad up, rather than think about letting Maguire go.
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