What’s next for Harry Maguire after his poor form continues at Manchester United?

Harry Maguire’s poor form continues to cause problems for Manchester United this season, following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

The defender has been one of the Red Devils’ go-to players since his arrival from Leicester City for £80m in 2019, a fee that made him the world’s most expensive defender.

He has since tried to justify that price tage, doing a decent job in his first season, but failing to maintain that promise at club level for the last 18 months.

This campaign has been an especially tough one for Maguire with reports from the Times earlier this month suggesting his team-mates are questioning why Ralf Rangnick continues to pick him, while Jamie Carragher claimed the 29-year-old’s current form could lead to an exit from the club.

To add to this, fans seemed to cheer Rangnick’s decision to replace Maguire against Atletico on Tuesday, venting their evident frustrations with the centre-back.

But what could the future have in store for Maguire, with only nine Premier League games remaining this season?

International break

Gareth Southgate is set to announce his England squad for their matches against Switzerland and Ivory Coast on Thursday with Maguire potentially among that list.

However, with his current form, a place in Southgate’s squad, regardless of his previous performances for the Three Lions, wouldn’t make sense.

Maguire had a solid Euro 2020 for England, but this break from club football, especially if he isn’t called up, would allow for him to focus on United’s next fixture against his former side Leicester City on April 2, and hopefully begin to re-find his form.

Getting the chop

An obvious choice, and one that is likely to be backed by the majority of the Red Devils’ fanbase, is dropping Maguire to allow another member of the squad a chance in the team.

The defender has struggled against teams who like to press United, with Maguire looking uncomfortable with the ball at his feet.

United boast Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones as senior options to replace Maguire in the starting XI and shouldn’t keep rewarding his poor performances in the team.

Persist and hope

This option could, and is likely to be explored by Rangnick. The German continues to select Maguire despite his form, and the 63-year-old seems to be hoping his persistence will lead to the centre-back turning his form around.

Rangnick has also been very vocal with his support of the former Hull City man in recent weeks, and has been quick to remark when he’s had a positive performance, while also reiterating that Maguire will remain club captain until the end of the season.