Erik ten Hag is digging his own Man Utd grave as boss 'wants star to leave' in January

Erik ten Hag is digging his own grave at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)

Erik ten Hag is digging his own grave at Manchester United if he goes through with reported plans to offload Harry Maguire in January - if he is still in the job by the New Year. The Dutchman has endured countless issues with his centre-backs since taking charge in 2022; he can't afford to cut his numbers midway through the season.

Maguire has been linked with a United exit since Ten Hag's first summer transfer window, speculation fuelled by the arrivals of three new centre-backs under his watch.

Last year, West Ham United agreed a £30million deal for the England international two years ago, but issues with his contract pay-out blocked a move.

Related articles Man Utd 'target Edin Terzic' to replace Erik ten Hag after Dortmund exit Bruno Fernandes 'surprised' by INEOS decision as Man Utd captain speaks out

Maguire made just eight Premier League starts in Ten Hag's maiden campaign before being replaced as captain by Bruno Fernandes.

That appearance total increased to 18 last season due to a relentless injury crisis at Old Trafford.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

The 31-year-old ignored interest again in the summer to fight for his place, and he has featured even more prominently at the start of this term.

Leny Yoro's pre-season injury, Lisandro Martinez's slow start and Matthijs de Ligt's adaptation to English football have prompted Ten Hag to use Maguire in nine of United's 11 opening matches.

But the Red Devils boss reportedly wants to cash in on Maguire in January, welcoming offers as low as £10m for the defender.

Man Utd are reportedly looking to sell Harry Maguire. (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

That fee represents a coup for his suitors just five years after he became the most expensive defender in football history by joining from Leicester City for £80m.

He is also an established international - earning 67 caps for England and prominently featuring in Gareth Southgate's four major international tournaments in charge.

Maguire is into the final year of his £200,000-a-week contract, though, so time is running out for United to sell.

United would trigger the 12-month extension in his current deal if they fail to find a buyer in the winter, but there are bound to be takers for that price.

However, it'd be a major mistake. Ten Hag recalled Maguire to his starting lineup for the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa last time out, days after he rescued him with a last-gasp headed equaliser against FC Porto.

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Related articles Man Utd have five options to replace Ten Hag if Thomas Tuchel takes England job Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a 'dream' Man Utd manager candidate but it's not Tuchel Erik ten Hag got Man Utd job over Mauricio Pochettino after he made 'mistake'

The Dutchman's decision to drop Martinez and De Ligt - both of whom he signed for a combined £100m - for his No. 5 and Jonny Evans at Villa Park was telling.

But the experienced duo outperformed Ten Hag's first-choice pairing and would have been in line to start together again if Maguire hadn't suffered a foot injury on the brink of half-time.

Once Yoro is ready to debut, United will have six senior centre-back options, with Victor Lindelof also in the final year of his contract.

Ten Hag can't complain, though, if his decision to axe Maguire is followed by a new wave of injuries, leaving Casemiro to cover in defence.

Erik ten Hag is digging his own Man Utd grave as boss 'wants star to leave' in January

Erik ten Hag is digging his own Man Utd grave as boss 'wants star to leave' in January

Erik ten Hag is digging his own Man Utd grave as boss 'wants star to leave' in January

Erik ten Hag is digging his own Man Utd grave as boss 'wants star to leave' in January

Erik ten Hag is digging his own Man Utd grave as boss 'wants star to leave' in January