Inter Milan offered Harry Maguire as Carrick faces Casemiro void in United rebuild

Inter Milan have been offered the opportunity to sign Harry Maguire, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, casting fresh doubt over the England defender’s future at Manchester United just weeks after he signed a new one-year deal at Old Trafford.

Maguire, 33, put pen to paper on the contract — which includes an option for a further year — following a strong run of form under Michael Carrick. The centre-back featured in 15 of Carrick’s 17 games in charge as United finished third in the Premier League and secured a return to the Champions League.

The uncertainty around Maguire is one of several transfer storylines developing around United this summer. Carrick is preparing for his first full window as permanent manager, and the club’s most pressing need is in midfield following the departure of Casemiro. The Brazilian ended his four-year spell at the club before United’s final game of the season.

Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar acknowledged the scale of the challenge, describing the search for a replacement as a significant problem for Carrick. “The big thing is Casemiro leaving, which will leave them a big gap in midfield,” van der Sar said. “I think the last year and a half, the appreciation for him and his career has been immense, so that will be a headache.”

Van der Sar also pointed to United’s evolving attacking options as a sign of progress under Carrick. “Goal scoring-wise, with the addition of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Sesko, they have a little more grit, a little bit more stability, a little bit older players,” he said. “I think they will look at the Premier League to see which players are available to fill the gaps to make sure that the level of Man United goes up every year.”

United are understood to be close to completing the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson in a deal worth around £38 million, which would represent their first piece of business this summer. Further arrivals are expected, with the future of Marcus Rashford also said to be unresolved ahead of the window opening.