Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Rio Ferdinand sends clear message to Harry Maguire about his Manchester United future

Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes Harry Maguire must leave Manchester United this summer for the sake of both his club and international careers.

The Reds captain has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season following the signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax last summer. The latter has formed United's best central-defensive partnership alongside Raphael Varane.

As the season nears its conclusion, Maguire now finds himself even further down the pecking order having been overtaken by Victor Lindelof. The Swede is currently deputising for Martinez, who is out for the rest of the season through injury, meaning Maguire, when everyone in his position is fit, is now fourth in the pecking order.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag addresses United transfer concerns

Luke Shaw has also been given the nod ahead of Maguire in recent months to play at centre-back, suggesting that manager Erik ten Hag does not have complete trust and faith in the former Leicester City ace. United could cash-in on one of their centre-backs this summer and many believe Maguire will be the one that is shown the exit door.

Furthermore, though he has been included in the latest England squad for next month's European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has regularly warned Maguire that he needs to start playing regularly at club-level again if he is to continue being selected for his country.

Asked if Maguire needs to leave United this summer, Ferdinand, speaking on the Vibe with Five podcast, 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."

Maguire, who has been one of Southgate's must trustworthy operators at each of the last three major tournaments, has made 30 appearances in all competitions for United this season. However, only 15 of those outings have been in the Premier League.

He has only started five league matches since the 4-0 defeat to Brentford back in August.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.