Man United boss Ten Hag wants to sell £80 million star

Manchester United travel to London to face Fulham on Sunday, aiming to go into the World Cup break with a win.

Erik ten Hag’s side have been inconsistent this term, but they did recover from their 3-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend by beating The Villans 4-2 in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

The Red Devils currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, but they could drop as low as seventh if they lose and other results go against them.

A number of United players will be representing their respective countries in the World Cup, including United’s Harry Maguire.

The centre-back was included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad despite having struggled for game time domestically this season.

The Englishman has started just one Premier League match since United were thrashed 4-0 by Brentford in August, having fallen out of favour and then suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty in September.

There could be more bad news for Maguire now, as Ten Hag reportedly wants to sell the defender.

According to The Guardian, the Dutchman wants to move the centre-back on next summer, although United are extremely unlikely to be reimbursed the £80 million that they paid for Maguire.

Maguire is in the England squad for the World Cup

The England international became the world’s most expensive defender when he joined United from Leicester City in 2019, but his value is likely to have fallen considerably considering his lack of game time this season.

Ten Hag has preferred Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at centre-back in recent months, with Victor Lindelof also being used ahead of Maguire at times.

The player is contracted to United until 2025, but the deal includes an option to extend for a further 12 months.

Maguire is currently earning a reported £190,000-per-week, though, which may make finding a potential suitor even more difficult.

Ten Hag reportedly feels that Maguire’s lack of pace is a problem and is therefore keen to move him on, which would then allow him to sign a more suitable replacement that better fits his system.

The ex-Ajax boss is reportedly also ready to allow midfielder Fred to leave, in a bid to then improve his crop of midfield options.

Maguire has made 153 appearances for United since joining the club, and was made captain by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.