BREAKING NEWS: “The financial loss to the club doesn’t concern me; he just needs to go. He doesn’t fit into our plans.” A decision has been reached: Erik ten Hag wants a Manchester United player to leave, and the transfer is anticipated to incur a considerable financial hit for the club.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly made a decisive decision regarding Harry Maguire’s future at the club, with the defender no longer a part of his long-term plans. This development could see Maguire exit Old Trafford in the January transfer window, potentially for a reduced fee.

Reports suggest that Maguire, once the most expensive defender in the world, could leave for as little as £10 million. The 2019 signing from Leicester City has struggled to meet expectations, with his performances often criticized, particularly his pace, decision-making, and positioning in high-stakes matches.

Maguire initially played a key role in United’s defense, but his importance has diminished over time, especially following the arrival of new defensive signings under Ten Hag. Players like Lisandro Martinez have fit well into the manager’s tactical system, leaving Maguire increasingly sidelined.

Ten Hag has focused on reshaping the squad, particularly the defense, with acquisitions like Martinez and potential future signings like Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro. These moves indicate that Maguire is no longer seen as a fit for Ten Hag’s high-pressing, ball-playing style of football.

Financially, selling Maguire for £10 million would represent a significant loss for United, who initially paid £80 million for him. However, from a footballing standpoint, keeping Maguire on the bench benefits neither the club nor the player.

Offloading him would free up wages and allow United to focus on strengthening other areas of the squad. Finding a buyer could be challenging, as top clubs have shown limited interest, though clubs like West Ham previously expressed interest.

Despite his struggles, Maguire could still be valuable to mid-table Premier League teams in need of defensive reinforcements. His leadership, aerial ability, and experience could prove useful to teams outside the top six. However, his inconsistent performances at United have raised doubts about his ability to handle high-pressure environments.

A move to a club with fewer expectations could offer Maguire the opportunity to rebuild his confidence and rediscover the form that made him a coveted defender during his time at Leicester City. For both United and Maguire, a January move seems like a sensible solution.