MANCHESTER UNITED face a dilemma in the negotiations over Harry Maguire’s future.
The England defender is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 – and THREE European giants are interested.
Maguire’s current terms expire at the end of the season, but United have the option to trigger an extra year to 2026.
But should Maguire agree to move to a team abroad next month, that might remove United’s clause.
The matter would become complicated legally if the 31-year-old centre-back wants to push through a free transfer.
Should United try to activate Maguire’s extension after he has agreed with another team then Fifa could step in to resolve, according to The Athletic.
And three European giants are keeping tabs on United’s most expensive ever defender.
Napoli are eyeing up a free transfer for Maguire, reports The Athletic.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte will have seen Maguire up close for a number of years in the Prem and is weighing up bringing him to Serie A.
Conte has been hugely impressed with Scott McTominay, who decided to swap Manchester for Naples in the summer.
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Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho — who was a big fan of Maguire when managing United — have a history of signing from the Prem.
Fred and Sofyan Ambrabat are in their squad.
Fellow Turkish outfit Galatasaray are keeping track of Maguire’s situation too.
In England, Ruud van Nistelrooy admired Maguire during their time together at United, and Leicester City offer an emotional pull for him.
Maguire spent two years at the King Power Stadium before moving to United for £80million in 2019.
That price tag has often made life tough for Maguire at Old Trafford.
But after suffering a dip of form he is enjoying a good season when featuring, particularly at Villa Park and against Manchester City.
After pocketing Erling Haaland during United’s 2-1 win over rivals City, Maguire said: “All the signs are positive at the moment.
“And the chat that I’m having is really positive. I’ve still got this year to go with an option in their hands.
“I was injured when Ruben Amorim first joined, so they’re looking after my minutes – I haven’t been able to play back-to-back games yet.
“Hopefully, with 90 minutes under my belt for the first time in two, three months I can play consecutive matches.”
AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…
Andre Onana – 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13′ – 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90′ – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6
Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78′ – 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78′ – 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6
No time to have any influence on the game.
