Manchester United's big plan for 2027 is a complete defensive overhaul.
After strengthening the attack last year and the midfield this summer, the Red Devils will allocate most of their transfer budget towards assembling a formidable back line.
That inevitably means tough decisions over who will make way for the new arrivals.
Most of United's current defensive options are in awkward contractual situations. Luke Shaw , Lisandro Martínez and Harry Maguire are all in the final year of their deals, so Ineos must decide which of the trio will remain and who will be replaced.
The i paper has examined each player's situation. It tips Shaw and Martínez to leave, suggesting Martínez appears set on walking away, while Shaw may have to accept a reduced deal, worth less than his current £200,000 a week, if he wants to stay.
Harry Maguire is a different story. While the paper expects Shaw and Martínez to depart, it claims:
"Maguire is more likely to stay, with the club set to trigger the extra-year option on his contract. The England centre-back is a popular dressing-room figure, with leadership qualities that help guide youngsters like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro through the pressure of being a United defender."
Keeping Maguire makes complete sense. His veteran leadership, mental resilience under intense scrutiny, and physical presence remain valuable assets in the back line.
However hard some try to deny it, this United team still misses Casemiro .
Failing to bring in his successor early enough for him to learn from the Brazilian was a clear blunder. The club must not repeat the error with Maguire.
Next year, United should identify his ideal replacement and bring him through the door so Maguire can be phased out gradually while the new arrival settles in.
Beyond the expectation that Maguire will stay, The i paper reports that United are ready to push hard for Adrien Truffert, after they failed to land Lewis Hall, a miss the club reportedly regrets.
