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Despite strengthening the backline during the summer window, Manchester United are still leaking goals and Sunday’s 0-3 loss against Tottenham Hotspur was their second consecutive league loss by a similar margin at Old Trafford.
United’s current goal difference stands at an abysmal negative three after only six games and this is their joint-worst start in the Premier League era.
United have lost four games in all competitions and have recently conceded a completely avoidable goal against FC Twente and now, Spurs.
New recruit Leny Yoro remains sidelined since picking up a pre-season injury and is not expected back before December while Matthijs de Ligt has also struggled to adapt.
Defensive issues continue
A lot was expected from Lisandro Martinez but the World Cup winner’s poor form has gone under the radar and he needs to buck up or else things could get worse for the team.
Harry Maguire, who was at fault for the goal conceded against Twente in the Europa League, is currently injured and his current contract situation is proving to be quite vexing for INEOS.
The England international’s deal is valid until next summer with the 20-time English league champions having the option of triggering a one-year extension should they see fit.
However, they are reluctant to do so owing to the centre-back’s inability to play in a higher line and the need to add more quality at the back.
Maguire out in January?
The club have been linked with moves for fellow England internationals Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, both of whom would be upgrades on Maguire.
However, INEOS do not want to lose the 31-year-old on a free after the club spent £80 million for his services back in 2019 and are looking to sell him in January to any potential suitor.
“Man United are desperate not to let Harry Maguire leave the club for free in 2025, sources have told Football Insider. The 31-year-old is under contract at Old Trafford until the end of this season – but United have the option to extend his deal a further 12 months.
“It is believed Man United will try to find a new club for the defender in the January window to avoid activating that extension clause.”
Maguire’s future
Despite criticism and vitriolic abuse at times, the former Leicester City star has remained professional and has not shied away from fighting back to win his place in the squad, something that has been praised by Erik ten Hag.
West Ham were close to sealing his signature and it will be interesting to see whether they or any other club come in for the 6.3ft defender.
While United’s defensive options could dwindle further as a result, the club would save a lot on wages with the defender currently earning £190,000 per week (as per capology).
Maguire is currently valued at €18 million according to Transfermarkt and if his one-year option is not activated, very few teams will come close to matching that valuation.
The Hammers were prepared to pay €30 million for him a couple of seasons ago and it seems United will have to incur a huge loss on his sale irrespective of when they decide to offload him.
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