Manchester United are mulling over offloading Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw next year to create space in the squad for further changes.
According to Caught Offside, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire may not be part of Manchester United’s long-term thinking, as the club ponders offloading the high-earning English duo next year. The Red Devils could eye new additions and may need to make space in the squad and on their financial books, as their revamp is likely to continue.
Manchester United had a decent summer transfer window, where they were focused on revamping their front three. The arrival of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko saw the club offload some of their previous stars like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho.
The Red Devils could continue making changes to their squad and offload more players who they feel may not suit their plans. They could begin focusing on other areas of the pitch now that they have relative strength in the front line, as the midfield and defence might be their next priority.
Manchester United are ready to target a holding midfielder in January, while Manchester United will also look to make changes to their backline. As per the report, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire could be the ones making way for the next wave of defenders, with the Red Devils ready to sell the high-earning English duo next year.
Shaw, 30, has barely played in the last 18 months, while Maguire’s contract ends next summer. There has been talk of a new deal for the latter, although that may be to protect his value rather than long-term thinking, as he did have interest from Saudi clubs.
Manchester United also thought about selling Shaw a while back, but he has remained at the club and is currently a starter under Ruben Amorim. However, he is on high wages, as is the case with Maguire, with the club thinking about their exits to open up space in their accounting books.
Manchester United planning defensive changes
The role of Shaw could be taken up by the returning Lisandro Martinez, who is widely seen as their long-term option in the backline. The English international has also suffered from niggling injuries, as the club could cash in on him early before his deal expires in 2027.
As for Maguire, he has been an option off the bench this season despite holding an important place in Amorim’s planning last season. He, too, is a high earner, and it might be time for the club to make way for a new defender in his place once he departs.