Manchester United’s pursuit of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio is directly linked to the future of Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.
The England defender prefers playing in the left-sided central defensive role for club and country, despite being right-footed. This is the position in which Lisandro Martinez is usually deployed for United, with Raphael Varane or Victor Lindelof usually partnering him on the right.
The United manager ruled out Maguire playing in the position again less than six months ago, but the 30-year-old started the side’s recent EFL Cup victory over Crystal Palace in that role – partnering Raphael Varane in the heart of Ten Hag’s side’s defence.
However, Maguire was shuffled across to the right side of the central defence for his start against Brentford in Saturday’s Premier League victory – although this was due to an injury crisis which forced Victor Lindelof into the left-back position and allowed veteran defender Jonny Evans – signed on a short-term deal this summer – to fill in alongside Maguire on the left.
Speaking after April’s win at Nottingham Forest last campaign, Ten Hag rejected the suggestion that Maguire would be played in his preferred left-sided central defensive role again: "Not this season," the United boss explained after a tough outing for the defender.
"The angles are not good for Harry if he is playing on the left side, it’s difficult for him also defending in wide areas on his left foot but I think he is more capable on the right. Victor is very good, he can use both feet and I think he also did a brilliant job in the rest of the defence and the defensive transitions. That’s why we prefer to do it with them in this way."
However, that position was reversed in the early weeks of this season with Maguire playing in that role, albeit due to the United manager’s hand being somewhat forced by a lengthy defensive injury list including all three left-backs and a long-term layoff for Martinez.
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Evans is unlikely to remain at United beyond this season while Maguire – who saw a £30million agreed move to West Ham break down this summer – may also be on the move. The pursuit of Inacio is directly linked to this, as the Portuguese defender is left-footed and naturally plays on that side.
United’s other central defensive targets – Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice, Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva of Benfica – are all right-footed and play on that side of the defence. The Red Devils adding Inacio to their shortlist is an indication they see him as competition for Martinez.
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