With Jose Mourinho already sounding out the excuses he appears to expect he will need during the forthcoming season, one area of his team that undoubtedly requires attention is his central defensive duo. Although Eric Bailly appears more than capable of holding down a place, it has now been reported that United are inquiring with Leicester City as to the availability of Harry Maguire.
One of the standout figures on England's run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, Sky Sports are today reporting that United have made an initial move toward signing the player.
Breaking: Manchester United have approached Leicester City over the sale of their England centre back Harry Maguire, Sky Sports News understands.
SSN has learnt that United value the player, who starred in England’s summer World Cup campaign, at around £65m. More now on #SSN— Michael Bridge (@MichaelBridge_) July 26, 2018
Although the proposed valuation of £65 million may give some reason to query why United were not making moves for the 25-year-old when he moved to Leicester for £17 million last summer, the acquisition would almost certainly signal an improvement to United's suspect back-line.
While Bailly offers a rare strong-point, and the performances of Victor Lindelof at the 2018 World Cup suggest he is capable of offering more, United fans - and perhaps now the management - appear fed up of the remaining options.
Between Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, there is little reason to believe that Mourinho sees the future of his defensive set up containing all - or any - of these players.
That being said, questions will certainly be raised over the purchase of Harry Maguire should it be reliant on the parting of such a significant sum. In a deal rumoured to be worth £50 million plus, John Stones' 2016 move to Manchester City from Everton has often resulted in the former Everton man being pilloried for sub-par performances that didn't appear in keeping with his price-tag.
One thing for certain is that if Harry Maguire makes the move to Manchester United, he would want to hit the ground running.
Updated: It would now appear that Sky Sports are quite confident that irrespective of any outlandish bid, Leicester City may not be budging - or simply want the number raised higher.
#mufc have made an approach to #lcfc for Harry Maguire. It’s thought United are initially prepared to pay £65m. Leicester have responded by categorically saying he isn’t for sale.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) July 26, 2018
