Former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has excelled for the club this season in what has been, on the whole, a poor campaign
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Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire(Image: PA)
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has made it clear to the Old Trafford decision-makers why it is crucial that Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro remain at the club despite both men being linked with the exit door.
Fernandes has been United's best player this season with Maguire following not too far behind. The United captain, who replaced the defender in the role two seasons ago, has scored 19 goals and grabbed 19 assists this campaign.
However, recent reports have suggested that Al Hilal would be willing to sign the midfielder if United were able to agree to a figure. Ruben Amorim has said he understands why the Saudi Pro League club would be interested but that he does not want to see Fernandes leave.
As for Casemiro, with one year remaining on his contract, MEN Sport understands that his future remains in the balance. United do have an option to extend his stay by a further year but it is unclear whether they will activate that clause.
Like Fernandes, the Brazilian has been the subject of rumours linking him to Saudi Arabia. Al Nassr are thought to be keen on the midfielder and it has been reported that Cristiano Ronaldo would be interested in reuniting with him in the Middle East.
Despite these reports circulating, Maguire is adamant that both men should be part of United's plans for the future. When a question from Sky Sports News was posed to him about young centre-back Tyler Fredricson naming him as an inspiration in the dressing room, the England international explained the importance of a balanced squad.
"I am an experienced player in the team with Tyler (Fredricson) coming through and playing in my position, I feel a responsibility to help him out, give him my feelings and tell him how to handle that first game and things," Maguire explained. "If he needs any help, I am here for him and I text him a couple of times.
"He is a good player and will have a great career but he knows he still has a lot to learn. The squad now is so young, we have so much talent coming through but also we do need that experience in the team to win football matches.
"We have senior players, experienced players like, obviously, Bruno and Casemiro who are big in the dressing room, and myself, so we need that blend and we need that mix which is really important." Maguire was speaking ahead of tonight's Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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