Erik ten Hag scraps Man Utd transfer plans as new Harry Maguire role discovered

13 September 2023 , 02:00

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It's been a tough start to the Premier League season for Manchester United.

Although Erik ten Hag's side have recorded narrow victories against unfancied Wolves and Nottingham Forest, they have suffered defeats at Tottenham and Arsenal. Man Utd are already six points behind champions Manchester City in the title race.

Yet there's still plenty of time left in the season for the Red Devils to turn their fortunes around. Their Premier League campaign continues against Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday before a glamorous trip to Bayern Munich in a week's time.

With all that in mind, here's the latest news from the red half of Manchester...

Transfer decision

Man Utd will not be signing free agent Anwar El Ghazi, despite speculation suggesting otherwise. The former Aston Villa and Everton winger is available after leaving PSV Eindhoven by mutual consent and was linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Yet Ten Hag is willing to put his faith in young wingers Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho, with both players looking to make a name for themselves. Man Utd are not expected to make another signing until the transfer window re-opens in January.

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Injury update

Lisandro Martinez is expected to be fit for Saturday's game (Getty Images)

Who important is Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United's hopes of silverware? Let us know in the comments below!

Lisandro Martinez is expected to be fit to face Brighton. The Argentina international, 25, was substituted during the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal but provided a positive update on his fitness ahead of his country's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on Tuesday.

"Ready for what's coming," wrote Martinez on Instagram. The centre-back is one of Man Utd's most important players and has formed a crucial partnership with Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence, with Ten Hag preferring him to Harry Maguire.

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Maguire's new role?

Speaking of Maguire, Mike Phelan thinks the 30-year-old could play in defensive midfield. Maguire hasn't played much for Man Utd since Ten Hag was appointed last year and may struggle to get ahead of Varane, Martinez and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order.

The England international was a central midfielder during his time in Sheffield United's academy but moved into defence just before becoming a professional and has stayed there ever since. Yet Phelan can see why Maguire played in midfield.

"I had him at Hull," Phelan told Sky Sports when asked about Maguire. "Harry came to the club from Sheffield United and he played a bit as a sitting defensive midfield player there. At Hull, he was building up to the player we thought he would be."

Phelan, who was Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Old Trafford added: "His ability on the ball, he can read the game, he can definitely score a goal, and he's a good guy. He's one of the good guys in football... he doesn't shirk his responsibilities."