Manchester United have completed the signing of England defender Harry Maguire from Leicester City for a fee believed to be £80m.
Embed from Getty ImagesEngland international defender Maguire, 26, has signed a six-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year.
He joins from a Foxes side for whom he made 76 appearances, scoring five goals, and adds to United’s defensive and offensive set piece options under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Solskjaer can now choose from Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof, and Marcos Rojo, with Eric Bailly on the road to recovery following a serious knee injury, and Axel Tuanzebe almost certain to be spending some time away from the club on loan again.
With so many central defenders at the club, and Solskjaer committing to play a 4-2-3-1 system, the onus will now be on United to try and balance the squad out and move some players on.
Maguire, however, was understandably delighted to join the Reds, and said:
“I am delighted to have signed for this great club.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank everyone at the club and the fans for their fantastic support over the past two seasons.
“However, when Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity.
“I am excited about the vision and plans that the manager has for the team.
“It’s clear to see that Ole is building a team to win trophies.
“I am now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting the season started.”
Solskjaer added:
“Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature.
“He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
“With his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes – I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.
“He has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club.
“I would like to welcome Harry to Manchester United and we are looking forward to working with him as we prepare for the new season.”
Wayne Rooney agrees to join Derby County
Ex-Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will return to England to join Championship club Derby County as a Player-Coach in January.
Rooney, 33, who joined MLS side DC United in summer 2018, expressed his excitement at working with Derby boss Phillip Cocu.
He will wear the number 32 shirt and has signed an initial 18-month contract with the option of a further 12 months.