Maguire ‘Confident’ of Man United move before season opener

Harry Maguire is reportedly “confident” he will be a Manchester United player in time to face current club Leicester City in the 2018/19 Premier League season opener on Friday, August 10.

United have let the Foxes know they are keen to acquire the England international centre-back, who could cost as much as £65 million, per James Nursey of the Daily Mirror.

Nursey noted Leicester still want to try convincing Maguire to stay. The Foxes’ efforts will involve paying him more than £100,000 per week, even though he’s “only one year into a five-year deal.”

Maguire may have only been at the King Power Stadium for a solitary campaign, but his ambition has grown, particularly after thriving for England during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The former Hull City defender became the fulcrum of the Three Lions’ back three. He displayed a composure on the ball still unusual at his position, while also posing a considerable threat in the air, scoring once and providing an assist to help England reach the semi-finals.

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Those performances have put Maguire front and centre in the shop window for teams needing a player to build a defence around. United don’t necessarily belong in said category after conceding the second-fewest goals in England’s top flight last season.

However, Nursey pointed out how Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho still wants another centre-back to boost ranks featuring Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, who arrived at Old Trafford in the last two summers.

Mourinho may not be able to pry Toby Alderweireld away from Spurs, according to the report, so Maguire naturally becomes a prime target.

United haven’t been shy about showing interest, with a potential £50 million bid mooted earlier this month, per the Daily Mail’s Charles Sale. Since then, the Old Trafford club has been credited with being ready to up any bid to £65 million, according to Simon Jones of The Mail on Sunday.

Either offer would represent a major investment in a 25-year-old just coming into his own. Yet Maguire could partner 24-year-old Bailly to give United a solid base for the next decade.

Mourinho has steadily pieced together solid defences the last two years, but he is missing the talisman needed to lead a truly fearsome unit. Maguire could fit the bill, provided United are committed to following their interest through to fruition.