Manchester United’s pre-season tour in the United States continues to be a pivotal period for Ruben Amorim’s squad, both on and off the pitch.
Following a positive injury update with key players like Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana returning to light training in Chicago, attention has also shifted to off-field matters involving senior squad members.
While the Reds gear up for their final two pre-season fixtures and sharpen focus ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal, off-field matters are once again casting a shadow over one of the club’s senior players.
Among the talking points in the United camp is Harry Maguire – not for his form or fitness this time, but for a long-running legal case that has finally reached a turning point.
It’s been five years since the Manchester United defender was arrested during a family holiday in Mykonos, Greece, following an alleged altercation involving local police.
Initially found guilty of assault and attempted bribery, Harry Maguire received a suspended 21-month sentence – a verdict that was automatically quashed upon appeal.
He has consistently denied the allegations and maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.
Now, the Daily Mail reports that a new trial date has officially been set for 8 October this year.
Previous attempts to hold the retrial were postponed – once in May 2023 due to his defence counsel’s unavailability, and again in early 2024 during a national lawyers’ strike in Greece.
A third attempt to hear the case in March also failed, sparking concerns the matter might be dropped altogether due to the statute of limitations set to expire in 2028.
However, sources indicate that the case will go ahead this October on the island of Syros, a day before England are scheduled to face Wales.
Fortunately for Maguire, it’s understood he will not be required to attend the hearing in person, which could allow him to remain available for international duty and United commitments.
This isn’t Maguire’s first brush with the law — the Manchester United defender was banned from driving after being caught speeding in his Range Rover on Wilmslow Road near Manchester Airport on 5 March last year.
This long-running chapter may soon be closed – a relief not just for Maguire, but also for Amorim and the United dressing room, eager to focus solely on the football.
