When will Maguire make his United debut?
Harry Maguire is now officially a Manchester United player, after completing his transfer from Leicester City on Monday, but is the defender ready to make his Reds debut this weekend?
That is a question for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his staff, who will assess the 26-year-old at the Aon Training Complex this week ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated Premier League opener against Chelsea.
The big 16:30 BST kick-off at Old Trafford will provide United with a fantastic opportunity to make an early statement in the 2019/20 campaign, after winning all six of the club’s friendly fixtures, the final one on penalties, over the summer.
Maguire is yet to play a match with his new Reds team-mates, of course, but the talented centre-back is presumably close to full fitness after taking part in Leicester’s own pre-season campaign in England.
“I tend to get my head down," Harry told us. "I’ve worked hard and I've played every game for Leicester, so I feel my fitness is there. That was a big part for me to play because, if I ended up getting the move that I wanted, I would have been fit and in contention to play the first game. I feel like I'm ready to go, but obviously it’s the gaffer’s decision.”
Harry has made four appearances over the last month, beginning with a 29-minute outing in a 1-0 win over Scunthorpe United, that was followed by 45 minutes during a 2-1 success against Cheltenham Town.
The playing time was increased in his third outing of pre-season as he registered 62 minutes in Leicester’s 3-0 victory over Cambridge United, when he even got on the scoresheet with a goal.
Maguire then completed a full game in a 2-1 triumph at Stoke City and that fourth run-out was scheduled on the same day as another of the Foxes’ friendly matches, against Rotherham United.
That means our new signing appeared in every game that he was available for, ahead of Leicester's outing last Friday against Atalanta.
WHY SOLSKJAER SIGNED HIM
In a statement released on Monday, Ole heaped praise on the central defender who will hopefully play a huge role in the manager’s exciting rebuilding process this season.
“Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature,” said Ole of Harry. “He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
“Coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes, I can see he will fit well into this group, both on and off the pitch.
"He has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club. I would like to welcome Harry to Manchester United and we are looking forward to working with him as we prepare for the new season.”
United begin the new Premier League season against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday, with kick-off at 16:30 BST. Guarantee your seat to this game with a Matchday VIP Experience.