Maguire needs to leave, says Rio

RIO FERDINAND says he would be ‘absolutely gobsmacked’ if Harry Maguire is not looking to leave Manchester United in the summer.

United beat Manchester City to sign Maguire for £80million three-and-a-half years ago, but the England defender is set to be on the bench for the derby this Saturday lunchtime after falling down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are the first-choice pairing in central defence, and Ferdinand believes that Ten Hag’s decision to play his left back Luke Shaw in the middle ahead of Maguire should be the final straw for the United captain. Former United and England defender Ferdinand told Sportsmail: ‘I’d have to be asking questions and say, “This ain’t happening, you obviously don’t fancy me, I need to look for a new club”. ‘If Harry Maguire and his agent aren’t looking for a new club I’d be absolutely gobsmacked. I can’t see Harry Maguire, who starts for England and is Man United captain, saying he’s happy to be sitting on the bench.’ Ferdinand believes consistency is the key for Ten Hag’s side as United go into the derby on a run of 11 wins in 12 games. ‘There isn’t that panic there was before,’ said Ferdinand.

‘You’re seeing players growing in confidence. These were a bunch of players that were shot to pieces and he has had to build not only footballers but men back up again.’