Ruud van Nistelrooy touted to cause Manchester United “problem” as two clubs circle 31 y/o

Manchester United may have a potential transfer headache next month, with Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘admiring’ one of Rúben Amorim’s 31-year-old stars.

Manchester United are planning for the 2025 transfer windows as Rúben Amorim works to refine his squad at Old Trafford.

Amorim’s most notable achievement so far came in a thrilling victory over Manchester City, where late strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo earned a crucial Premier League win.

To fund their transfer ambitions, United are expected to part with some high-profile players in the coming months. Marcus Rashford is one such name linked with a potential departure, with the club reportedly open to offers around £40 million this summer.

Despite these anticipated exits, United are targeting up to five key signings in 2025, focusing on bolstering their attack, midfield, and defensive depth.

Van Nistelrooy touted to cause United a potential headache

According to The Athletic, United are headed into potential trouble with respect to 31-year-old Harry Maguire, as his current contract is set to expire in June 2025.

Although United have the option to extend his deal by a further season, Maguire will be allowed to negotiate pre-contract agreements from January onwards, meaning there would be a potential legal headache should United try to trigger this extension after he agrees a move away.

The report states that Serie A side Napoli and Turkish club Galatasaray are both keeping tabs on his situation, with respective managers Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho both admirers of the player.

However, another option that is listed is Leicester City, currently being managed by former United coach Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Athletic state that the Dutchman “admired” Maguire when their pair worked together at United, and as Leicester City was the team where the 31-year-old had his big break, a return provides an emotional pull for the star.

United should extend Maguire’s current contract

Earlier this week, reports stated that Amorim has personally intervened to advise that United should keep Maguire beyond this season. This would be a sensible decisoin by United.

Victor Lindelöf is up for sale in January and will be departing United once his contract expires in June if he is not sold next month, while there has been little noise surrounding the possible extension of Jonny Evans’ deal, which is also up at the end of this season.

Keeping Maguire would allow United to have a player who Amorim believes is perfectly suited to his back-three system, while also meaning they can focus spending on other areas.

It’s no secret that United want to buy at least one centre-back this summer, and having Maguire within the squad reduces the need for multiple new defenders, as well as keeping an experienced head in a squad of young talent.

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