Harry Maguire’s comments could be bad news for his Manchester United team-mate

Ineos operate under a relative cloak of secrecy these days – a deal for Yoro went from unlikely to done in just 48 hours – nobody really knows what’s next at Man United.

This is no longer the Glazer era, when transfers were dragged out for months as early excitement inevitably turned to frustration.

But having spent a combined fee of around £90m on Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, there is an acknowledgment that Man United will need to raise funds through player sales if they are to bring in other centre-halves.

Interest in Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite remains – either a Maguire or a Lindelof would probably have to say goodbye first.

But after one broke his silence this week, the other feels more vulnerable to the ax now than ever.

Harry Maguire is likely to stay at Manchester United

It is testament to Maguire’s unexpected career resurgence in 2023/24 that most Red Devils supporters would happily pay for Lindelof’s petrol if given the choice between the two long-serving centre-halves.

Although due to the absence of Lisandro Martinez, Maguire has arguably been Man United’s most consistent defensive player over the past year.

His vast experience, double-footedness, physical prowess and ability to act as a mentor to 18-year-old Yoro means that while Maguire’s playing time is likely to be reduced in the future, his importance should remain unharmed.

“Unless the club tell me I’m for sale or I’m no longer wanted there,” Maguire told Sky Sports on Friday, suggesting he was more likely than not to remain a Man United player in 2024/25.

“Everything I’ve heard and the action I’ve been shown from the club, I’m part of the future and it’s time for me to succeed and make this club a success, challenging for the big trophies.

“That’s what this club demands.”

Victor Lindelof facing the exit from Old Trafford

So what does this mean for the aforementioned Lindelof?

Talks with Fenerbahce began in June, according to The Telegraph. But despite the appointment of his former United boss Jose Mourinho in Istanbul, progress has been slow.

However, there is a feeling that Man United will receive bids for a man who could start the upcoming campaign behind Martinez, Yoro, Maguire and even Jonny Evans, even if no centre-half appears until September 1.

Lindelof, like Maguire, can play on either side of center half and also brings added versatility. Filled in from the left at times last quarter.

But with his price much lower than Maguire’s – rumored to be around £7m – and Turkey’s interest serious, if still in its early stages, Lindelof appears to be Man United’s most exposed to the risk of Ineos’ brutal review.

Maguire’s comments only further support this theory.

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