Manchester United legend speaks out on ‘whipping boy’ Harry Maguire’s future | Football

Harry Maguire has been unfairly treated over his Manchester United career and deserves a new contract, believes an iconic former Red Devils centre-back.

Maguire’s current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season, with a decision yet to be made on his future.

The 64-cap England international turns 33 next month, so is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but has been in good form in recent weeks.

Interim manager Michael Carrick has leant on Maguire’s experience since taking charge, with the former Leicester City man starting all six games under the current boss and performing impressively.

With Lisandro Martinez struggling to stay fit and Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined with injury, Maguire has been a key figure in the Red Devils’ upturn in results under Carrick.

The BBC reported this week that there are ‘positive’ signs over a new deal being agreed for Maguire to stay at the club for at least one more season.

However, an agreement has not been reached and the possibility remains that Maguire could end his seven-year stay at Manchester United.

Red Devils hero Steve Bruce feels the defender has earned a new deal and has been unfairly criticised at times during his time at Old Trafford.

Maguire’s spell at the club, which began in 2019, has not been a classic period in Manchester United’s history, but Bruce feels the centre-back has been made a scapegoat for the team and club’s failings.

‘I believe Harry has been made the whipping boy for too long,’ Bruce told the Daily Mail. ‘I don’t think he’s ever let Man United down. In that fact, he’s never let England down either.

‘As I said, I think he became a whipping boy for what was going on around him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets offered a new deal. Why wouldn’t you? I think centre-halves get better with age.

‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to the World Cup either. He’s got good experience, he’s played at the highest level, he’s never let England down either. And he’s given a reminder of just what he’s about over the last five, six weeks in particular, if he ever needed to.’

The Red Devils are looking to trim the wage bill

Maguire’s future could ultimately come down to money, with Manchester United reportedly happy to offer him a new deal but on reduced terms.

The Sun report that he earns around £200,000-a-week, but this would have to be significantly cut for him to stay at Old Trafford.

There could be the chance to earn more elsewhere, not necessarily in wages, but a signing-on fee would be available given he would be moving on a free transfer.

AC Milan and Napoli have been touted as possible destinations, as has Saudi side Al-Qadsiah, managed by his former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Red Devils are looking to significantly trim the wage bill this summer, with Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia leaving the club on free transfers, while Marcus Rashford is also expected to make his loan move to Barcelona permanent.

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