Man Utd nightmare deadline day involves Harry Maguire mistake, £35m issue unresolved and Liverpool hijack

Manchester United could be dealt a nightmare deadline day. Here is the worst-case scenario for Erik ten Hag and his men.

United have spent north of £100million this summer on Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund while Jonny Evans has signed on a short-term deal.

However, after a lacklustre start to the campaign and costly injuries endured by Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane, United are scrambling for reinforcements.

As per David Ornstein, the club are advancing in talks to sign Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham, as a Shaw replacement. Moreover, Marc Cucurella is another player that has been linked.

But what would the worst possible deadline day for United look like?

Harry Maguire has been linked with a United departure the entire summer, with West Ham having even bid £30million for England centre-back.

While that move fell through, it has been widely reported that the Hammers have retained their interest, while Everton and Newcastle have also registered an interest in Maguire.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the 30-year-old leaves on deadline day, in pursuit of regular first-team football.

And should he leave and United not secure a replacement, they may be made to start fringe players such as Victor Lindelof or even Luke Shaw at centre-back until Varane’s return.

Elsewhere United have been desperate to sign a midfielder in the last few days of the window and even saw a bid turned down for Sofyan Amrabat.

A worst-case and mildly outlandish scenario would see Liverpool hijack United’s move for the Morocco international should Jurgen Klopp’s side fail to lure Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich.

Indeed, Bayern want to sign a replacement before sanctioning Gravenberch’s departure.

Moreover, United are attempting to sanction Donny van de Beek’s departure. The Dutchman has endured a topsy-turvy spell at Old Trafford since signing for United from Ajax for £35million back in 2020.

Indeed, he has played 60 times for United in total but made just six starts in the Premier League.

United have reportedly accepted a loan offer from Lorient for Donny van de Beek, with the Dutch international set to decide his future ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.

Ten Hag will want to shift the Dutchman, given his lack of game-time will be bad for the player and club’s morale.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League, Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.