Manchester United's Harry Maguire 'turned down move to Barcelona'

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire reportedly rejected interest from Barcelona earlier this summer, with the centre-back determined to turn his Red Devils career around.

A difficult 2021-22 campaign led to Maguire receiving widespread criticism, with the 29-year-old making a number of mistakes during a disappointing season for the 20-time English champions.

Earlier this year, there were suggestions that the defender's future at Old Trafford was in doubt, while new head coach Erik ten Hag is also believed to have considered taking the armband away from the Englishman.

However, Maguire will remain as captain for the 2022-23 campaign, with Ten Hag full of praise for the former Sheffield United youngster since taking over as head coach.

There were rumours of interest from Barcelona earlier this summer, with the Catalan outfit looking to sign one more centre-back before the transfer window slams shut.

© Reuters

According to The Mirror, Xavi's side were keen to bring the England international to Camp Nou this summer and had been in touch with his representatives to discuss a move.

The report also claims that Maguire was mentioned during discussions between Barcelona and Man United over Frenkie de Jong, who is still with the Catalan side.

However, the defender allegedly made it clear that he was not interested in moving to Camp Nou and instead wanted to turn his Man United career around by enjoying a strong 2022-23 campaign.

"Some players, especially with some of the criticism flying around, would have been desperate to go if Barcelona came calling. But Harry is unmoved and wants to have a successful season with United," the newspaper quotes a source close to the defender as saying.

"When it comes to mental strength, Harry has it in spades. As usual he will get down to doing what he does best."

© Reuters

"Harry has proved it in the past, but he has also to prove it in the present and in the future. I will support him everywhere I can. In the end, he has to do it by himself, and he has the qualities to do it. He's shown it so often in the past. He's played 60 times for England. Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him," said Ten Hag when asked about his captain.

"But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like United needs. You cannot win with 11 players. We need a squad, especially this season with so many games. We have the Europa League, the Premier League and the World Cup, so we need a full squad with high-quality players not quantity."

Maguire has been the subject of boos from some supporters during Man United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, but the Red Devils boss has backed the defender to do his talking on the field.

"About Maguire, we heard it, but you see, if you perform, it slows down [quietens down]," Ten Hag told reporters. "I think the team - and Harry Maguire - impressed by the way we played. I don't think it's the manner to find out if I understand it. It's about how can we change it. So it's the team and Harry himself, by performing. That is what we're working on, that is the only focus."

Maguire, who moved to Man United from Leicester City in August 2019, still has another three years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of another 12 months.