It seemed inevitable that Manchester United would part ways with one - if not more - of their centre-backs this summer. With the signing of Lisandro Martinez, Erik ten Hag had five senior options in this position and that is before you consider the likes of Axel Tuanzebe and also the club's academy defenders.
The M.E.N. understand that Eric Bailly looks likely to join Olympique Marseille loan with an option to buy the defender if he impresses during his spell in France. And with this in mind, United should not sanction a deal for Harry Maguire, even amid apparent interest from Chelsea.
The fact he would likely improve Chelsea and therefore hamper United's chances of finishing in the top four next season aside, Ten Hag cannot leave himself short of cover in a position he has just spent an initial fee of £46m improving. Yes, Maguire was in poor form last season, but he has started the 2021/22 campaign well despite the club shipping six goals in two games.
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Raphael Varane is an experienced and solid option to have either as a starter or rotation, but as United fans saw last season, you can 't trust him to stay fit. He missed 16 games through injury last season, and if this was to continue this year then it would spell disaster if there is not a deputy waiting in the wings.
Victor Lindelof is a fine centre-back but he is much worse than Maguire in possession. In addition to this, the Swedish defender thrives on the right-hand side whereas Maguire can play either centre-back role.
There is the argument that United have both Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe to call upon as well, but if the club are serious about earning a top-four place, neither are of the standard needed to be relied upon if injury befalls any of United's first, second or third choice options.
The same goes for the club's youngsters; sporadic minutes here or there are fine but regular minutes are a big gamble with so much on the line. Teden Mengi and Bjorn Hardley have impressed in the club's development squads but wouldn't be ready to take a big step up.
It does seem like a weird debate to have about the club's captain, whether United should sell him to a direct rival. That probably shows how far Maguire's stock has fallen in the 12 months since the Europa League final, where his injury, according to some fans, was the reason United lost.
Maguire is still a good defender, he has excellent ability on the ball and will improve how United build-up from the back under Ten Hag. And with the signing of Casemiro and hopefully another midfielder and potentially even a goalkeeper he will receive the support any centre-back needs to thrive in the Premier League.
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