Man Utd insider claims Maguire would ‘thrive’ under Guardiola

One Manchester United staff member has claimed that Harry Maguire could have thrived at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, according to a new report.

Maguire joined United in an £80 million deal from Leicester City in the summer of 2019, becoming the world's most expensive defender.

He was appointed as club captain in January 2020 following the departure of Ashley Young, and played in every minute of the Premier League campaign during his first season at the club.

Maguire was also impressive in the following 2020/21 season, captaining United to a second place finish in the top flight.

His absence in the 2021 Europa League final was seen as one of the reasons why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side did not capture victory, as they lost to Villarreal on penalties.

But the England international has struggled for form at club level since then, despite impressing at international level at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

With his future beyond this season under Erik ten Hag uncertain, Manchester City's pursuit of the defender prior to his United move has resurfaced.

And staff at the Red Devils reportedly believe he could have been a success under Guardiola.

According to a report from The Athletic, one unnamed member of staff at Old Trafford gave their view of Maguire's time at the club - and how much differently things could have gone had he joined the blue side of Manchester instead.

The report reads: "One former member of staff on the football side at United concludes that Maguire was a good player in a dysfunctional environment, who he believes would have thrived at City with the stability and tactical acumen of Guardiola."

Guardiola himself admitted in November 2019 that City were indeed keen to sign Maguire, but that they could not match United's bid.

He explained (quotes via Sky Sports): "Maguire is an excellent, top-class player. We were interested, but we could not afford it. United afford it.

"He's an excellent player, national team too, he had an incredible World Cup.

"He's so strong in the air, good with the ball, the build-up, he drives with the ball, he's fast, so fast. He has all the qualities. Congratulations to United for this signature."

The Athletic's report adds that despite doubt surrounding his future, those close to the player claims that he wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight to restore his position in the starting lineup - the position he was in during the days of Solskjaer's reign.