Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes Harry Maguire will be good for the Red Devils if he joins before the transfer window closes.
Reports have linked United with the Leicester City and England centre-back throughout the summer as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen a defence which used 11 different centre-back partnerships last season.
Maguire, 25, had a fantastic World Cup in Russia. As well as being solid defensively, winning the joint-most aerial duels of any player at the quadrennial tournament, alongside Russia’s Artem Dzyuba, he also bagged himself a goal in a 2-0 quarter-final win over Sweden.
Brown, who played in United’s defence under Sir Alex Ferguson, says that signing the Englishman is just what the Red Devils needs to compete with local rivals Manchester City this term.
“Maguire had a fantastic tournament and has been really good for Leicester since joining them from Hull. He’s shown that he can play on that stage,” Brown told 888 Sport.
“That’s the sort of player Manchester United need. He knows the Premiership and knows what it’s about. I never talk about the money side of it because if a player will strengthen your team then the transfer fee is what it is.
“I don’t talk about the money. All I care about is whether he will be good for the team and he definitely would be.” United have also been linked with Toby Alderweireld as Mourinho steps up his pursuit for a central defender before the window closes on August 9.
Manchester United open their Premier League account on Friday against Leicester City, and it remains to be seen what shirt Maguire will be wearing come kick-off.
Paul Pogba Woes
Paul Pogba hid his face and reportedly used a different entrance as he arrived at Manchester United’s Carrington training base on Wednesday.
The World Cup winner is set for crunch talks with Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho amid claims he is ready to sign for Barcelona before the transfer window slams shut.
The La Liga champions made a sensational offer of £45million plus Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes for the France international, which was rejected outright by United.
Reports in Italy claim the midfielder has already agreed terms with the Nou Camp club, and is ready to earn £100million over five years in Spain.
Barcelona have the end of the month to get a deal for Pogba over the line, despite the Premier League transfer window slamming shut this Thursday.
Manchester United therefore have little to no time to sign a replacement, and have absolutely no intention of parting company with the man they signed from Juventus for £89million back in the summer of 2016.