Manchester United will need to sell one defender if they were to sign a new centre-back in the summer window, confirms The Athletic’s David Ornstein. This comes amid reports that they’re interested in signing Kim Min-Jae as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire.
Manchester United Selling Harry Maguire Wouldn’t Be a Surprise
Tottenham Hotspur Appreciate Maguire’s Quality
Ornstein further states that he wouldn’t be surprised to see the 30-year-old centre-back leave Old Trafford in the summer window because of the current rule when it comes to signing a new centre-back.
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It has been reported recently that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the Englishman and Ornstein also spoke about these links, saying: “I think Tottenham will really respect what level of play he is, and also the character and leadership he would bring to any camp.
“He is good friends with Harry Kane from the international level. I don’t think this is an equation of one in and one out or a swap of sorts. I think if he was to go somewhere like that, it would be to play together ideally. I am not aware of it being advanced with Tottenham or anybody else.”
Maguire Facing Uncertain Future at United
The English centre-back fell out of favour at Old Trafford last season, seeing the summer signing Lisandro Martinez take his spot in the starting lineup and Erik ten Hag not really prioritising him as the campaign wore on. The Red Devils are unlikely to give him a major role next season and he could go further down the pecking order if the Manchester side are able to sign another centre-back in the summer.
Read More: Erik Ten Hag Sends Message on Summer Transfer Plans
Maguire is reportedly open to fighting for his future at United, but that could be a major uphill task for him. The English centre-back, who was once hailed as a ‘beast’ by ex-teammate Paul Pogba, made 31 appearances for the Red Devils last season – which only included eight starts in the Premier League.
