Manchester United report: Club in talks with Harry Maguire replacement

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Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has come under heavy criticism this season – now the Red Devils have identified a successor

Manchester United
(Image credit: Getty)

Manchester United appear to have lost patience with long-suffering captain Harry Maguire.

Maguire started the season poorly and hasn't recovered to rekindle his best form in a red shirt, after missing the run-in to last season and the first half of Euro 2020 with injury. Now, it seems as if interim manager Ralf Rangnick has decided to replace him.

The 63-year-old steps into a consultancy role this summer following the end of his temporary time in the dugout – and with over half a season of managing the Red Devils' dysfunctional side, he's identified a number of positions that need improving at Old Trafford.

One such position is centre-back, with the Daily Express reporting that United – who were this week dumped out of the last-16 of the Champions League by LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid – have opened talks with Manuel Akanji.

Swiss defender Akanji has been a solid presence at the back for Borussia Dortmund for a number of years, having joined from Basel four years ago. At 26 years old, the BVB man could well be the future of the defence alongside last summer's marquee recruit at the back, Raphael Varane. 

After buying Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, it seems as if Rangnick is keen to target lower-profile players, with the likes of Amadou Haidara and Boubacar Kamara looked at in the winter window. 

Akanji is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt.

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.