Home of football statistics and historyFormer Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has urged Harry Maguire to salvage his career by leaving the club this summer.
Maguire fell out of favour under manager Erik ten Hag last season, with the Dutchman quickly identifying him as the weak link in United’s defence.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez established themselves as the first-choice partnership at the back, forcing Maguire to spend most of the campaign on the bench.
The United captain failed to take advantage of the limited opportunities that came his way and looks likely to be moving on in the upcoming transfer window.
Sheringham believes Maguire needs to quit United and sign for a club who can offer him regular first-team football next term.
“I think centre half is a consistent position,” Sheringham told Betway. “It’s a strange situation for Harry. I still think he’s a very, very good player. He’s never let England down.
“I know he’s had his problems at United, but I think it would be best for him to leave for his career.
“I think he needs be a consistent starter somewhere else and I think there’ll be a lot of takers. You’ll be surprised how many people will want him.”
Maguire will understandably be eager to resolve his future, particularly with the 2024 European Championship in Germany on the horizon.
Despite his struggles with United, the 30-year-old has retained his place in the England team, with manager Gareth Southgate remaining loyal to the defender.
However, Southgate recently admitted that the situation cannot continue, which potentially casts doubt over Maguire’s international future.
Sheringham acknowledges that it will be difficult for Southgate to keep picking Maguire if he is not playing consistently at club level.
“You can’t switch the tap on and off,” Sheringham added. “You can’t sit there watching on the bench for ten games and think you can join up with England and be okay.”
Despite keeping Maguire on the bench for much of the season, Ten Hag resisted the temptation to strip the captaincy off him.
Bruno Fernandes wore the armband in Maguire’s absence, but the Dutchman may be tempted to hand it to another player next season.
Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford last summer raised plenty of eyebrows, with many people believing United had paid over the odds for the midfielder.
Sheringham believes his performance levels and winning mentality make him the ideal choice to become United’s new captain.
“I think Casemiro has been invaluable,” Sheringham said. “You need somebody in central midfield that dictates the play, and he chips in a few goals as well.
“I know he’s had a couple of red cards, and that sets you back a bit, but he stamps his authority on a game and I think he’s been a revelation since he’s come in.
“He’s not captain, but he leads by example. I wouldn’t put it past Ten Hag to give the captain’s armband to Casemiro next year.
“I know it’s drifted about, but I think Casemiro is the leader and he should be captain. He leads by example, the same way Roy Keane did.”
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