Manchester United captain Harry Maguire backed to make surprise return to Leicester

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire should make a sensational return to his former club in order to revive his career, according to one pundit.

Maguire has endured a frustrating campaign with the Red Devils this season, making just 11 Premier League appearances, with Erik Ten Hag predominantly opting for a centre-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez this term.

It seems the 30-year-old has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, but remains a central figure in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.

Maguire’s contract at United runs until June 2025 although Ten Hag reportedly wants to offload the defender, who signed from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million.

Former Celtic, West Ham and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie believes a return to the King Power Stadium would be a shrewd move for Maguire to get his career back on track.

McAvennie told Football Insider: “He might go back to Leicester. They could do with him and they will get him at half price as well. He was a star there, he really shone.

“He has got to play. Sometimes at big clubs like Man United, the jersey is too big for players. That is no disrespect to Harry but if he goes back to Leicester he can see his career out.

“You see him for England and he is decent, so it is a weird one. He will need to leave because he is not getting a game. It is alright being the captain but not if you do not get any game time."

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However, sources speaking to the outlet suggest United may struggle to sell their club captain due to his “insane” wages, which are believed to be in excess of £200,000-a-week.

The site also revealed that McAvennie’s old team, West Ham, are keen on acquiring Maguire’s services, along with those of his current teammates Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial.

However, McAvennie insists returning to the East Midlands would be the best move, adding: “I think going back to Leicester would be a good fit.”

Maguire made over 70 appearances during his two-year stint with the Foxes, scoring five goals. So far, he has played 167 times for the Red Devils, finding the net seven on seven occasions.