Man Utd receive last-gasp loan offer for Harry Maguire

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has reportedly been offered an escape from his Old Trafford nightmare by one of the best teams in Serie A.

The centre-back has fallen down the pecking order since Erik ten Hag's arrival in the summer, losing his place in the starting XI to Lisandro Martinez.

Ten Hag prefers to use Martinez next to Raphael Varane at the back, which leaves Maguire on the bench in most games. Earlier this month, even Luke Shaw played in the heart of defence, out of position, next to Varane over Maguire.

It's seen the 29-year-old start one Premier League game in 2023 and he's considering his future at the club. Per the Daily Mail, Maguire's received an offer to leave United as early as this month.

Inter Milan have enquired about taking the England international on loan for the rest of the season as they look for reinforcements following an outgoing of their own.

Milan Skriniar has signed a pre-contract agreement with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the summer, but the Ligue 1 giants are pushing for a deal to get him in this month.

That'd leave Inter, who are second in Serie A, a man short far earlier than anticipated. Simone Inzaghi's side have also been linked with a move for Roma defender Chris Smalling.

It's believed Maguire would rather wait until the summer to call time on his United career. The Red Devils would rather keep Maguire until then, as they battle on all fronts to win their first trophy in six years.

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Maguire did start Saturday's 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup fourth round. He stressed how keen he is to force his way back into Ten Hag's plans while admitting it's an issue he's never face in his career before.

"I feel like I’ve looked after myself - I think it’s two-and-a-half weeks since my last start - so I’ve been working hard in training, the lads who’ve been playing have been doing well so when I get the opportunity I need to take it and make sure we win," Maguire explained to ITV. "It was nice to be out there helping the lads and I’m ready when my chance comes.

"I’m working hard every day, I’m pushing, I’m training well, and when my chance comes I need to take it.

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"We know at this club we need competition for places, we have some top centre-backs at this club so I think we’re all good from now until the end of the season."

United are currently fourth in the Premier League and the only team in the division to be in four different competitions this season.

Their only arrival this month has been Wout Weghorst on a season-long loan from Burnley. It's unlikely they dip into the market for a central midfielder before Tuesday's deadline, despite injury to Christian Eriksen.

The Denmark star left Old Trafford on crutches after an Andy Carroll tackle forced him off just before the hour mark at the weekend.