Harry Maguire is reluctant to relinquish his spot at Manchester United despite being stripped of the club’s captaincy by manager Erik ten Hag.
According to Manchester Evening News, the 31-year-old is stepping up his recovery from a long-term muscle injury, which sidelined him for the ongoing Euro 2024.
Maguire would’ve probably been on Gareth Southgate’s list of travellers, but a muscle problem he picked up towards the end of 2023/24 curtailed his ambition to help his country lift their maiden continental trophy.
Per the report, the ex-Leicester City centre-back conducted double training sessions with Man United medical staff in Portugal before joining the rest of the squad in pre-season training.
Alongside Marcus Rashford, Maguire was among the standout first-team stars to show up at Carrington on Monday for the beginning of United’s pre-season campaign.
Extra training sessions indicate he’s unwilling to give up his hopes of returning to Ten Hag’s good grace following another topsy-turvy season at Old Trafford.
Maguire’s future in Manchester is still in doubt.
After parting with Raphael Varane, the Red Devils are ready to wave goodbye to another first-team defender.
Victor Lindelof is a potential candidate to make way after emerging as a concrete target for new Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho.
Lindelof’s potential departure would likely extend Maguire’s underwhelming five-year stint at Man United.
With Lisandro Martinez still at Copa America with Argentina, Maguire will probably be Ten Hag’s first choice when the reigning FA Cup holders meet Norwegian side Rosenborg in their opening summer friendly on July 15.
It will depend on the Englishman’s fitness status. He’s keen to get back in shape soon. Yet, the nature of his injury suggests he could skip Monday’s trip to Lerkendal Stadion.
Even if he does, Maguire will board a plane to the United States as the Red Devils travel overseas for a pre-season tour shortly after returning home from Trondheim.
