Harry Maguire’s future takes a sharp turn despite Arsenal heroics | OneFootball

Manchester United are expected to make several changes to their squad this year as they continue their rebuilding exercise under INEOS. Reinforcement talks may have taken a back seat following Michael Carrick’s fiery start to life as caretaker manager, but they remains firmly in the Red Devils’ plans.

The Englishman took charge of the fallen giants earlier this month at the end of a bland 14-month run under former head coach Ruben Amorim. Tasked with facing Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games, Carrick exceeded expectations, winning both games to power United into the top four of the league table.

The Red Devils have scored five goals and conceded two in those outings, and one of the key figures of their stunning rise was Harry Maguire. The English defender started both games and was rock-solid at the back, even winning the Man of the Match award for his performance against the Gunners.

However, Maguire will turn 33 in March this year, and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, his future now remains unclear.

Maguire’s time at Old Trafford so far

Maguire arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in the summer of 2019 from Leicester City as the world’s costliest defender but has divided opinion among fans. The Englishman was a regular under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was handed the armband after Ashley Young’s departure.

However, following a poor run of form under Erik ten Hag, he was stripped of the captaincy in the summer of 2023, with Bruno Fernandes selected as his successor. Maguire was close to a move to West Ham United that summer but opted to stay and fight for his place instead.

The Englishman soon wrestled his way back into the Dutchman’s team and retained his position under Amorim as well. He has now rekindled his partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence under Carrick.

Harry Maguire Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Maguire was heavily linked with an exit this month, but a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person stated that Carrick refused to let him go. Chelsea have emerged as a surprise destination for the player this summer, while another report adds that the Red Devils have already initiated contract talks for the veteran defender. However, a contrasting update on the situation has now emerged.

United looking towards the future

According to The Daily Mail, United are ready to let Maguire leave as a free agent at the end of this season. The report states: “United have had ample opportunity to get Maguire on to fresh terms but there appears to be limited willingness at this stage to do so with his contract now around five months from expiry.”

“Maguire is not short of interest with multiple clubs in Italy enquiring with a view to a pre-contract agreement, while there is also a handful of Premier League teams who are very keen on a free transfer in the summer.”

“Carrick is a fan of Maguire but senior United figures are keen to see next season’s minutes go to Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, two young players that United believe will be the bedrock of the backline for years to come.”

Final Thoughts

United already have an able successor to Maguire in Matthijs de Ligt, so they can afford to let the veteran defender go. The Dutchman was one of the best defenders in the league before being sidelined with back issues since December last year.

However, with Casemiro also set to leave this summer, perhaps the Red Devils would be better advised to hold on to the English defender for his experience and leadership, provided that the finances suit all parties involved.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social