United make firm transfer call on player’s future after wave of interest in his signature – report

Manchester United have made a firm decision on Harry Maguire’s future after five clubs made an approach for the defender.

Maguire’s turnaround at United

Maguire was once a heavily criticised figure at United after his £80 million switch from Leicester City in the summer of 2019 – a then world record fee for a defender.

At one point, he was frequently on the receiving end of scrutiny from fans and pundits alike due to a drastic dip in form.

The England international wore the armband from 2019 to 2023 but he was stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag, who passed it on to Bruno Fernandes.

However, with less responsibility and the weight of leadership lifted, Maguire has managed to turn things around and has been in solid form for several months, producing some of the best performances of his United career.

He is now a trusted member of Ruben Amorim’s squad, with the manager recently reaffirming his confidence in him.

Now, it has emerged that Maguire has been the subject of enquiries from interested parties, with his current deal expiring next summer, but United have made it clear that they want him to stay and see out his career at Old Trafford.

United rebuff approaches for Maguire

Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail reveals, “Manchester United have rebuffed approaches from clubs in the Premier League and Italy for Harry Maguire, Mail Sport understands.”

“A number of interested parties at home and abroad have been told the likelihood is that the England defender is likely to extend his contract – and spend the rest of his career at Old Trafford.”

“Whether that happens remains to be seen however, three top flight sides and two from Italy explored a move for Maguire this summer and were turned away.”

Keegan notes that Napoli could be a potential next transfer destination for Maguire if he fails to agree terms with United over a new contract. It’s understood that Maguire has taken notice of Scott McTominay’s success with the Partenopei and would be open to emulating the Scotland midfielder.

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas and Galatasaray are also keen on signing the 32-year-old. Ligue 1 duo AS Monaco and Olympique de Marseille are keeping close tabs on the situation.

However, despite interest from elsewhere, Maguire is keen to remain at United and hopes to follow in the footsteps of some of the club’s legendary defenders, such as Denis Irwin, Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce, and Bryan Robson.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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