According to The Sun, as cited by Daily Star, Manchester United are set to face some serious competition from cross-town rivals Manchester City in the pursuit of Harry Maguire. The Leicester City defender has emerged as the number one defensive target for Red Devils. But, it is believed that Man City are growing seemingly confident that they can hijack United’s deal to sign Maguire this summer.
The Premier League champions could make a last-ditch effort to sign the England international after their initial bid of £65 million was rejected by Leicester. Maguire is believed to be valued around £80-90 million. But is it a wise move by Pep Guardiola?
Assessing Manchester City’s defensive department
Manchester City enjoyed a successful season last term, even though they did leave it late in winning the Premier League title. Defensive solidity was a key reason behind their success during the 2018/19 campaign.
Aymeric Laporte was an ever-present figure at the back while Vincent Kompany’s screamer against Leicester City was perhaps the deciding factor in the title chase. That being said, Kompany has left the club this summer after years of service and has joined his former club RSC Anderlecht.
Apart from these two, Guardiola boasts the services of three well-established centre-backs in Eliaquim Mangala, Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones. But, Otamendi is keen to rejoin Valencia this summer while Mangala is unlikely to flourish under the leadership of the Catalan mastermind. Stones, too, has struggled to make himself a first-team regular, amassing only 1,762 minutes of league football last season.
Where does Maguire fit in at Man City?
It is quite evident Manchester City require a new centre-back this summer, with Stones and Laporte being their only reliable options going into this new season. Maguire, in that regard, could be a perfect fit in central defence alongside Laporte.
The England international could provide Stones with some much-needed competition. But, he will likely be drafted into the starting lineup given the impact he has had for both club and country within the past 12 months.
Will Maguire be successful at the Etihad?
Maguire could build a formidable central defensive partnership with Laporte next season. His robust style and no-nonsense style of defending would combine well with the Frenchman who is more known for his exquisite passing and remarkable positioning awareness. This would add another dimension to the Man City defence.
The Leicester City star is also quite experienced in the Premier League, which should help him to settle in quickly at his new club. And at the age of 26, he could be a smart long-term investment for the Citizens. This would be a wise move from Guardiola even if the price is on the higher side.
