16 May 2023 , 11:39
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Rio Ferdinand has once again told Harry Maguire that he must quit Manchester United this summer in order to kickstart his career.
Maguire, 30, has spent the majority of the 2022-23 campaign on the bench after struggling in the early weeks of Erik ten Hag's premiership. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have struck up a commanding partnership in his absence, but Ten Hag has also used Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw, a left-back by trade, ahead of Maguire on occasions this term, underlining just how drastically the England international's stock has fallen at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand, who spent over a decade at Manchester United, has been particularly vocal about Maguire's long-term future. And after urging the United captain to quit the club back in January, Ferdinand has again claimed Maguire should move on.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand was asked if Maguire should be looking for a new club in the summer transfer window and said: “I think he needs to. If he wants to resurrect his career he has to go in the summer. He cannot stay there and play second fiddle. If he genuinely wants to stay as an England player and get back on track.”
Ten Hag is expected to oversee a ruthless overhaul of his squad this summer, however, recent reports have suggested that Maguire is determined to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.
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The decision could be taken out of his hands, though, after it emerged this week that Napoli defender Kim-Min jae has 'agreed' to join the Red Devils after months of speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League.
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Kim Min-jae has 'agreed' to join Manchester United this summer (SSC Napoli/Getty)Kim only moved to Naples last summer but has been courted by other top European clubs after impressing for South Korea at the World Cup. His contract is believed to contain a €50million (£43m) release clause.
FootMercato revealed earlier this week that United have already tabled a 'colossal' contract proposal to Kim's representatives after identifying the centre-back as their top defensive target.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also in the market for an elite No.9, with Kim's Napoli teammate Victor Osimhen of interest. Tottenham talisman Harry Kane is believed to be Ten Hag's primary target, but it remains to be seen if Spurs supremo Daniel Levy would actually facilitate a deal - even though Kane has just 12 months remaining on his current contract and could walk away for nothing next summer.
Kim and Osimhen have both played a pivotal role in Napoli's shock Scudetto win this season under boss Luciano Spalletti. There is an acceptance at the club, though, that both still could be sold this summer if there is sufficient interest in their services.