Danny Murphy is backing Harry Maguire to leave Manchester United in the near future – and is tipping him to join Newcastle United.
Murphy has been speaking to the Daily Mail about Maguire’s future as he heads back to Manchester United.
Maguire started to find his best form again as he started every game for England at the World Cup in Qatar.
The 29-year-old will now return to Old Trafford with his role somewhat unclear.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez may be the ideal centre back pairing for Erik ten Hag when fully fit, possibly leaving Maguire on the bench.
That may be difficult for Maguire to take and Murphy thinks a move away from Old Trafford may be best for him in the future.
Murphy believes that the writing will be on the wall for Maguire if he’s not starting for United after the World Cup and even thinks that a move to join Eddie Howe at Newcastle could be ideal.
“Written off by most people, he was outstanding for his country, which says plenty about his strength of character. It has to be admired,” said Murphy.
“The big question is whether his face fits with United manager Erik ten Hag and we’ll find out the answer soon. The United team is more efficient with Casemiro protecting the back four and Maguire will benefit. But if he does well and is still replaced once Varane and Martinez are available, the writing will be on the wall.”
“I don’t think the United captain will want to hang around Old Trafford beyond the summer as a bit-part player and there won’t be any shortage of interest if he’s allowed to leave. I can see him at Newcastle United, for example, where Eddie Howe will appreciate his strength and leadership,” he added.
Maguire to Newcastle seems unlikely
Look, we can understand this to an extent.
Maguire has played well with Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier with England and also knows Nick Pope and Callum Wilson from the World Cup squad.
Wilson even told the Footballer’s Football Podcast earlier this season that he would take Maguire in his team any day of the week, hailing him as a ‘top defender’.
Despite that, it’s hard to see Newcastle going and signing Maguire.
Newcastle have a top defender already in Sven Botman and seem happy with Fabian Schar as his partner.
Newcastle may well seek an upgrade on Schar down the line but spending considerable cash to get Maguire out of United as he heads towards his 30’s doesn’t seem like the path Newcastle are heading down with Dan Ashworth at the helm.
Wilson may like him but we can’t see Maguire being his Newcastle teammate any time soon.
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