Harry Maguire finds himself in a very difficult position at the moment.
His form over the last 12 months or so has been absolutely dire, so much so that it was a big surprise not to see him taken out of the Manchester United line-up sooner.
The team's performance in the win against Liverpool could prove to be a turning point in his career at the club, with the defence looking much better without him at its centre. Barring injury and some rotation, he looks set for a lengthy spell on the bench.
That could prove to be trouble for his international career, with the World Cup only a few months away.
Paul Merson makes Harry Maguire to Chelsea claim
It looks as though it will be too late in the transfer window for a move elsewhere to materialise for Harry Maguire, although there could have been one option in recent weeks.
Chelsea have been on the lookout for a new centre back, ultimately agreeing a £75million deal for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana in recent days. However, Paul Merson believes they should have went for the Manchester United captain.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit said that Harry Maguire would have been an excellent addition for Thomas Tuchel's side.
🗣 "If I was Chelsea, I would've gone for Harry Maguire."
Paul Merson feels Harry Maguire being out of the Man United line-up could affect his World Cup chances pic.twitter.com/l4FjgUvyji— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 27, 2022
It soon comes around the World Cup. It's November, it's not next year. It's not like 'I don't need to get into the team before February'.
If you're not in the team, they go on a little run and you're not playing, I don't see how you can go to the World Cup. He is a big part of England's World Cup, it would be a massive decision for Gareth Southgate.
If I was Chelsea, I would have gone for Harry Maguire. I would have.
Harry Maguire in a three is very good, believe me. He has played for England, he never gets ripped for England and is a good defender in a three.
Chelsea have to play in a three, he would have suited Chelsea. He is an English player as well, sometimes they like English players.
He plays on the left with England and he comes out. You've got to remember, Chelsea dominate football matches as well.
Plus you've got Thiago Silva who talks to players, at Man United they all look after themselves at the moment. That's probably why he's been out of the team.
It's a hard one.
Leicester City could be one potential option for Harry Maguire, although they would likely only offer a fraction of the £80million they received when they sold him back in 2019.
What's more, Erik ten Hag is unlikely to want to lose the defender. While he looks set to be out of the team for the foreseeable future, he is a good option to have in the squad.
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