‘Does he want to be a squad player or…’ - Rio Ferdinand opens up on Harry Maguire’s Manchester United future

On 19 July 2023, Manchester United will take on Lyon in their second pre-season friendly game after registering a victory over Leeds in the first game. But, ahead of this clash, United fans came to know that England defender, Harry Maguire got stripped of the captaincy duties ahead of the next season. Maguire shared that news with his fans and as per reports, Bruno Fernandes is expected to be the new skipper.

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Last season, Maguire played only 16 games in the Premier League for United and now, he is reportedly linked with a move to West Ham. However, there are some reports that he might stay at the club in order to gain a place in the playing XI. Regarding that, in an exclusive interview for TNT Sports, former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand shared his views.  

“He will be a sub if he stays at United" - Rio Ferdinand on Harry Maguire

He said that the United manager will again prefer the pair of Martinez and Varane over considering him at the back. Ferdinand said: "Erik ten Hag has a particular way of playing. He has to choose players that suit his style of football, and Harry Maguire does not fit the bill. He brought in Martinez and Varane to fit his philosophy and those will be his first-choice centre-backs next season."

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"It will have been really difficult for Maguire, after playing so well for England , coming back to Manchester United to be a substitute. That must have been mentally very hard to deal with. The question now is, what does he want to do? Does he want to be a squad player or does he want to be a starter in another team? If he is happy being a squad player at Manchester United then he stays, if he doesn't then he will go. But he will be a sub if he stays at United," he added. Harry Maguire joined United from Leicester City in 2019 for a record-breaking fee of £80m. His current contract is valid until 2025.