Man Utd and Harry Maguire respond to Aston Villa transfer speculation

08 January 2023 , 22:52

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Man Utd and Harry Maguire respond to Aston Villa transfer speculation

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is expected to stay at Old Trafford beyond the January transfer window despite shock rumours linking him with a move to Aston Villa.

The England international was pictured having dinner with his agent near Villa's training complex, but sources close to both the player and the United have both have laughed off the speculation, as per the Manchester Evening News. It is believed that Maguire was simply at The Belfry to play golf.

There have been plenty of rumours surrounding Maguire's future in recent months because of the centre-backs steep decline in game time this term. United's captain has fallen below both Raphael Varane and summer signing Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.

However, manager Erik ten Hag is still keen on keeping Maguire at the club until at least the end of the season. The defender is also expected to be handed a rare start against Charlton for Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final clash.

Maguire's stock has fallen significantly since Ten Hag took the reins and he has only started four Premier League games this season. Unfortunately for the Three Lions ace, two of those four games were United's two defeats at the start of the campaign against Brighton and Brentford respectively.

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Though Maguire is likely to remain at the club until the summer at least, it remains to be seen whether he holds on to the captain's armband in the meantime. In his absence, Bruno Fernandes has donned the armband and Ten Hag's recent comments on the Portugal international has sparked fresh reports that the midfielder could be named United's skipper on a permanent basis.

Erik ten Hag is expected to keep Harry Maguire until the end of the season at the very least (Getty Images)

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"I think he's an example. That's also the reason why he often wears the armband. That's exemplified by his energy." the Dutchman explained.

"He's so good in transition, both ways, and that's one of the key elements in today's football. He's so good in it and he gives so much quality in that part of the game. The team's really happy with him and I'm really happy with him."

United legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted if he were Maguire, he would be on the prowl for a new club.

Speaking to BT Sport prior to United's win over Wolves on New Year's day, Ferdinand said: "If I'm Harry Maguire, I'm looking for a new club right now. This new manager [Ten Hag] is showing by his team selection that he is not going to be one of the two, three top centre-backs at this club."

Josh O'Brien