Maguire is considering leaving Manchester United, possibly moving to Serie A as early as the January transfer window! Ten Hag’s first signing looks to Carrick for future plans.

The 32-year-old Manchester United veteran Harry Maguire is now in the final six months of his contract, meaning he is free to negotiate with overseas clubs. Although his agent has been in talks with the Red Devils about a renewal, no substantial progress has been made. Rumors now suggest Maguire is contemplating a departure, potentially as soon as the January window, in a last effort to secure a spot for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Just recovered from injury, Maguire faced the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, which is not good news for the “Big Head.” Amorim used a three-center-back system, providing more opportunities for Maguire and other defenders. However, if the formation switches to 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, only two center-backs can play, which may push Maguire down the pecking order. As a result, Maguire was among the first Manchester United players to publicly say goodbye to Amorim.

When Carrick last took temporary charge of Manchester United, Maguire was his preferred starter. But the situation has changed now; if everyone is fit, De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez would certainly be ranked ahead of Maguire, and young talents like Lenny Yaro and Eden Havin would also receive more attention.

According to Italy’s Transfermarkt, several Italian clubs have contacted Maguire’s agent this month, including Inter Milan, Napoli, and Fiorentina. Maguire has learned about Italian football through many former Manchester United teammates and is open to playing on the Apennine Peninsula. Difficulty in securing regular playing time this season is the main reason he is willing to transfer in January.

If Maguire makes up his mind, he can definitely complete a move this year because Manchester United used their one-year priority renewal option last year. Now, this defender, who once joined for a high fee of £80 million, will have the freedom to transfer anywhere in the summer if he does not renew, gaining free transfer status.

In Serie A, more clubs might extend an offer, including Roma. However, Sky Sports reports that Roma will only pursue a free transfer in the summer and does not intend to spend money in January. If Maguire must leave, Manchester United naturally prefer a winter transfer to receive a transfer fee.

Whether Manchester United will approve Maguire’s departure and what decisions new head coach Carrick will make remain unknown. Carrick also needs to decide the future of another United defender, Tyrell Malacia. The 26-year-old Dutchman has only five months left on his contract and might also be allowed to transfer in the winter window, but before deciding, Malacia hopes to have a conversation with the new coach.

As Ten Hag’s first signing costing €17 million, Malacia was labeled one of the “five rats” in the dressing room by Amorim before the season started but became the only one who failed to leave. On Boxing Day against Newcastle United, Malacia was allowed to come off the bench after Amorim lifted the ban. However, he has not played in the other 11 matches.

Manchester United are likely to switch to a four-defender formation, which does not benefit Malacia much. Patrick Doigu, Luke Shaw, and even right-backs Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui are ahead of him, so if Malacia stays, his playing time will still be limited.

Under Carrick, there is also an 18-year-old left-back Diego Leon ready to be used, who has yet to make his debut since joining in the summer. Another 18-year-old left-back, Harry Armas, has finished his loan at Sheffield Wednesday. The club is currently considering whether to extend his loan there or send him to another Championship team.