Erik ten Hag has done a fine job at Manchester United so far, but he is reportedly willing to let three players leave the club this summer.
United managed to get back to winning ways in midweek with a victory against Brentford. The result lifted them to fourth in the table and above Tottenham in the process.
Champions League qualification will be vital for Man Utd if they are to attract their primary targets. Along with additions in the summer, the club are also willing to let several stars leave.
In the Premier League this season, Ten Hag has used a total of 26 players. To make room for additions in the summer, it is only natural that they are looking to trim down the squad.
According to Caught Offside (who cite a report out of Spain) the three players in question are Donny van de Beek, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.
The trio have only started in 12 league matches between them this season and a move in the summer would make sense for each of them.
Maguire and Lindelof have had to play second fiddle to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez during this campaign.
In the case of Maguire, he will surely be keen on securing a move where he can play regular first team football. With his spot in the England squad at stake, he needs regular game time.
The 30-year-old has made 24 appearances under Ten Hag, although most of his minutes have come in cup competitions.
Van de Beek is in a similar situation where he needs regular first team football at this stage of his career. The move to Manchester hasn’t worked out for the midfielder and a move elsewhere would be best for all parties.
Where next for Maguire?
The Man Utd defender would be a decent option for several Premier League sides. Despite his recent dip in form, he does have over 200 league matches under his belt.
According to a recent report, his former side Leicester would be interested in taking him back. However, a loan move seems more likely than a permanent deal.
Of course, Leicester themselves would have to avoid relegation to the Championship and get their finances in line to take on Maguire’s lofty wage.
Ten Hag has been pleased with Maguire’s development over the past few months, but a move in the summer seems more than likely.
“I am really happy with the progress Harry is making at the moment,” Ten Hag told reporters last month.
“He is more dominant and dictating, taking more initiative on the training pitch and we saw in Seville against Betis where he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of initiative and dictation of the game.”
His current deal with the club runs until the summer of 2025, with the club having the option of a further year. Given his lack of game time this season, a summer departure would make sense.
