Man Utd defender Harry Maguire is out of contract at the end of the season and should be given a new deal.
The winter window has closed, so what next? Manchester United already had an eye on the summer, but they have an obvious decision to make before the end of the campaign.
Harry Maguire is out of contract in June and deserves a new deal. Negotiations have been ongoing, and United should make an effort to sort out Maguire’s future now that the window has passed.
Maguire has played a crucial role in Michael Carrick’s success since his appointment as interim head coach, starting in each of the wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham. The 32-year-old was particularly impressive against City and Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side are known for their threat from set-pieces, and Maguire’s aerial ability was key to securing victory at the Emirates.
Maguire’s quality in the air alone is almost enough to warrant a new deal. There has been a shift in the Premier League over the last few seasons, with an already physical league becoming even more so, and Maguire’s ability to deal with balls in the air makes him a valuable option.
The England international’s partnership with Lisandro Martinez has also been important. In the Manchester derby, Maguire and Martinez started together in a back four for the first time since September 2024, but you wouldn’t have known. They played as if they had been starting games together regularly.
Asked about the timing of Maguire’s resurgence in a World Cup year, Carrick said: “Yeah, I haven’t given the World Cup much thought yet to be honest. We have got some really good centre-backs at the club and obviously a couple of young ones on the bench that have got big, big futures at this club hopefully.
“We just felt at the time we come in, the experience was important. The other two (Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven) will have a lot of games and a lot of performances in their career here, because they have got bright futures. Harry has come in after not playing a lot of football and done ever so well.
“He is what he is. A big presence, been there, seen there, done it as well. I think that helps within the group when we have got so many young players who are learning.
“I think he has had a big influence with that, and just that composure to understand the moments and not be fazed by it. He has been a big presence with him and Licha. At the back, they have given us the foundation to build on.”
Heaven performed well in the final weeks of Ruben Amorim’s tenure, but Maguire has made a noticeable difference since being brought back into the team by Carrick. Maguire will celebrate his 33rd birthday next month and a two-year contract would be a logical compromise. United would have to invest millions in the transfer market to find a replacement of similar quality. And what Maguire contributes goes beyond the pitch, he is a leader and an example.
Some believe Maguire has become a better leader at Carrington since he was stripped of the armband. He showed remarkable mental resilience to emerge from a difficult period in his career.
Maguire’s recent performances will certainly not damage his bargaining power in negotiations, and there is an argument that he is still United’s best defender.
The only negative about Maguire’s last two years in Manchester has been a handful of muscle injuries. Still, the pros of offering him a new contract heavily outweigh the cons.
Maguire’s form deserves a recall to the England squad in the March international break. He has been a stalwart for England, and Thomas Tuchel would regret not taking him to the World Cup in the summer.
United chiefs would also regret not keeping Maguire beyond this season.