Harry Maguire Linked to Aston Villa, Man United Reveal Stance

• Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was spotted near Aston Villa's training ground sparking rumours of a transfer
• Maguire has been used rarely by Erik ten Hag despite the manager retaining him as club captain
• Other reports have however laughed off suggestions of the potential transfer saying ten Hag is keen on retaining the 29-year-old

Harry Maguire has set some tongues wagging with talk that he might be leaving Manchester United during this transfer window.

Numerous reports had on Sunday; January 8th indicated that the out of favour English defender was close to joining Aston Villa on a short-term loan.

Maguire was reportedly spotted in Birmingham over the weekend near Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground.

A potential move could make sense for both parties. Maguire has failed to convince Erik ten Hag to accord him regular starting berths since his arrival. He has recently fallen further down the pecking order after Luke Shaw, a fullback was played centrally despite his availability.

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Unai Emery meanwhile could use experienced heads at Villa Park as he continues to build his project. Diego Carlos is still out with a long-term injury.

However, as MEN reports, Manchester United have laughed off the transfer rumours indicating that the skipper will remain at the club beyond this transfer window.

Maguire was in Birmingham to play some golf after playing a part in United's 3-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup.

Ten Hag's thoughts on Maguire

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has endured a difficult time under new boss Erik ten Hag since the Dutch coach took over the club in the summer ahead of the new season.

Maguire has dealt with injuries and illness coupled with disastrous form, which has seen him fall down the pecking order of centre-backs at the club before he went for the World Cup.

Ten Hag has experimented with midfielder Casemiro and left-back Luke Shaw in central defence since club football returned after the World Cup, and going by the manager's recent comment, there is no way back for the Red Devils captain.