Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is reportedly training as often as “three times a day in the build-up to the new football season as he battles to regain his confidence and, hopefully, a place back in the team.
The 30-year-old spent much of the 2022/23 season on the bench for Man United and only really came back into the team to replace his injured colleagues, play cup ties or make short cameos towards the end of games. However, it looks as though the England international is fighting hard to get back on track.
Posting a number of images from a closed camp in Portugal along with the caption, “No Limits. No Excuses.”, the out-of-form centre-back gave a glimpse at the work he’s been doing in pre-season, where he’s been training one-on-one with former Chelsea and Real Madrid defender, Ricardo Carvalho.
Alongside teammate Diogo Dalot, it looks like United’s number five is determined to get back into the starting lineup or at least back to the levels that would make him desirable to another team, as he has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford for some time now.
Shedding some light on the three-week regime Maguire has been undertaking, journalist Fabrizio Romano told CaughtOffside that his current programme comes in the midst of a crucial period for the centre half whose future could be decided “in the next [few] days”.
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Romano claims that the decisive conversation with manager Erik ten Hag is looming large as “there are chances for Maguire to leave Old Trafford this summer”; the likes of Everton, West Ham and even a return to recently relegated Leicester have been rumoured.
ten Hag himself admitted that “no-one would be happy with this situation” insisting that Maguire “always trains to the best levels and with 100% effort, so if he handles that situation well and [in the right] manner”, then there is no reason why he can’t work his way back into the squad more regularly.
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Although it is said he could be about to officially lose the captain’s armband ahead of the new campaign, with Bruno Fernandes having essentially taken over the role last season, the Dutchman suggested that he can still be “important for the squad.”
With Lisandro Martinez having just come back from his long-term injury and Raphael Varane regularly dipping in and out of the side with fitness issues, the most expensive defender of all time could still very well have an opportunity to get back on the team sheet and stake a claim.
That being said, with club legend David de Gea having just left and transfer target Andre Onana being linked as the impending replacement as early as this week, United could be looking to complete what would be a largely new-look backline compared to the last few seasons.
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What do you think, is Maguire willing to fight for his place or is this simply a bit of shop-windowing?
Featured Image — Harry Maguire/Manchester United (via Instagram)
Sport
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
10th July 2023 
