Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that the record signing of Harry Maguire could make Manchester United strong contenders for the PL title.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted arch rivals Manchester United are back among the contenders for the 2019-20 Premier League title following their acquisition of England international Harry Maguire, as reported by The Sun.
Manchester United completed the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City in a deal worth £85 million making him the world’s most expensive defender, eclipsing the £75 million fee Liverpool had shelled out for Virgil van Dijk eighteen months ago.
The 26-year-old Maguire was also a target for reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, as they sought a long-term replacement for former captain and club legend Vincent Kompany who left the club at the end of the last season, to don the role of a player-manager at RSC Anderlecht.
And Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now admitted that Maguire was indeed a target for the club, but they could not meet Leicester’s valuation for the Englishman, who has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League over the last couple of years.
Maguire. Is. A. RED ?
We've shown you our GIF, so let's see yours! Show us how you feel about our new signing below ?@HarryMaguire93 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/BZKF8ZF1a7
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 5, 2019
Speaking after his team’s Community Shield triumph over Liverpool on Sunday Guardiola said: “Maguire is a top-class player. We were interested but we could not afford him. United could afford him — congratulations to them. Maguire is excellent. He had an incredible World Cup, he’s strong in the air, fast, young. He has all the qualities.”
Further adding on the matter, the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager went on to claim that Maguire’s signing would turn Manchester United into contenders for the PL title. “I don’t know if it will be two contenders like last season,” he said. “United with Maguire, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham have done well in pre-season, there’ll be many contenders.”
Maguire becomes Manchester United’s third signing of the summer, following the additions of Daniel James from Swansea City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace. The Englishman’s arrival should solidify a leaky United defence that struggled last season and shipped in 54 goals in the Premier League.
As far as title contention is considered though, Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer’s side still need a couple of additions to push the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. For now, the Red Devils should look to break back into the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
