Man United’s stance on new centre-back unveiled after Maguire renewal
Man United’s stance on new centre-back unveiled after Maguire renewal Manchester United are reportedly still on the hunt for a new centre-back this summer, despite Harry Maguire signing a contract extension this week. Big H stays Uncertainty was swirling around Maguire ‘s future at Old Trafford earlier in the season as the England international’s contract was set to expire in May. At the time, under the turbulent rule of Ruben Amorim , the 33-year-old defender was largely relegated to the bench, with Matthijs de Ligt emerging as the standout performer for the Red Devils.
However, football is an unpredictable beast at the best of times and, just a few months on, Amorim has left the club – replaced by Michael Carrick after being handed his marching orders by INEOS – and De Ligt has been ruled out with a long-term back injury. With Carrick at the helm, and in De Ligt’s unfortunate absence, Maguire has returned as a permanent fixture in the side, playing every match of the 44-year-old interim coach’s superb start. No side has picked up more points than United since Carrick’s appointment, with his experienced centre-half proving a key part of this as a pillar of strength at the back.
This upturn in form, for both the player and the club, saw INEOS move to end the speculation over Maguire’s future by agreeing a one-year extension , which includes the option for an additional twelve months. He is understood to have taken a pay cut in order to facilitate negotiations – a testament to his desire to remain a Red Devil for as long as he can. United have been linked with reinforcements in central defence, with Nottingham Forest and Brazilian behemoth Murillo emerging as leading targets.
But it was thought that Maguire’s extension would put a halt to this search, or at least delay it for another year or two. However, TEAMtalk reveals INEOS remain intent on signing a centre-back this summer. “While Harry Maguire has recently committed to a new deal, United are still expected to add another centre-half this summer”, the report states.
And it appears the perfect candidate is actively pushing for a move to England this summer after his club slashed his asking price in order to accelerate the move. The French Titan Castello Lukeba is a long-term target at Old Trafford as United have been repeatedly reported as a suitor of the RB Leipzig defensive monster – with good reason. The France international is a left-footed centre-back with outstanding ball-progression abilities, a rare combination which top clubs covet.
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