Harry Maguire fears being frozen out long-term at Man Utd in blow to World Cup hopes

After being dropped to the bench for Manchester United's win over Liverpool on Monday, Harry Maguire now fears his World Cup hopes are at risk of fading come November

Posted Wednesday, August 24, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Harry Maguire fears being frozen out at Manchester United

Harry Maguire fears he could be frozen out long-term at Manchester United in a serious blow to his World Cup hopes.

The England defender has starred for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions at both of the last two major tournaments, but is at risk of missing out on a place in his squad for Qatar. Southgate wants his players to play regularly in the opening months of the season before he names his team for the tournament in November.

After being dropped by Erik ten Hag for Manchester United's win over Liverpool on Monday, The Mirror report Maguire is concerned he could be frozen out for a prolonged period of time.

It is also understood that Maguire was told as early as Thursday last week that he would not be named in the starting line-up for the match at Old Trafford.

Having retained the captain's armband following the arrival of Ten Hag this summer, Maguire started both United's first two league matches of the season, defeats to both Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.

However, he was dropped for the match with Liverpool on Monday, with Raphael Varane replacing him and starting alongside Lisandro Martinez in the centre of defence.

The report also claims that Maguire's fears over his World Cup hopes could see him look to secure a move away from United before the transfer window closes next week.

Chelsea have previously expressed an interest in Maguire and targeted him as part of a swap deal which would see Christian Pulisic heading in the opposite direction.

United were quick to dismiss talk of Maguire leaving, though, with the impending departure of Eric Bailly to Marseille set to further weaken their options in the centre of defence.