Malick Thiaw: What it will take for Man United to secure Harry Maguire’s ideal replacement | OneFootball

There are murmurs about Harry Maguire being offered a new short‑term deal.

Yet whether he signs or not, one truth remains: Manchester United must prepare a succession plan for the England international.

Enter Thiaw

According to claims relayed by The Peoples Person, Newcastle United’s towering 6ft 4in defender Malick Thiaw is being touted as the ideal heir to Maguire.

The German has quickly become a hit at St James’ Park, with Football Transfers‘ analysis even suggesting he carries shades of Marquinhos in his game.

A versatile, modern centre‑back, the 24‑year‑old impresses with his commanding aerial presence, proactive defending, and composure when building from the back.

It is little wonder United’s decision‑makers view him as a potentially brilliant defensive addition.

United ahead of Bayern in race

A credible German source has claimed: “United are more likely to sign Thiaw than Bayern in the summer transfer window.”

And almost immediately, that dropped, The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards weighed in on the potential Newcastle raid by INEOS.

Asked about the possible fee, Edwards replied: “£80million.”

He elaborated: “The Germany international has been an excellent signing, brought in from AC Milan for just £35m last summer.”

A tricky pursuit

However, Edwards cautioned that Newcastle are unlikely to sanction a sale so soon:

“The centre‑back has adapted swiftly to the Premier League and has started almost every game this season. His impressive form has quickly led to rumours of United’s interest, but it is difficult to see Newcastle considering a sale so soon after he arrived.”

United scouts have clearly been monitoring Newcastle talent closely, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and now Thiaw.

But prising a player from a PIF‑owned club, ambitious and prestigious as the Magpies now are, remains a formidable challenge.

Timing the move

If United truly believe Thiaw is Maguire’s ultimate replacement, they may need to bide their time. Signing a marquee centre‑back is not an immediate priority.

For now, the 20‑time English champions can extend Maguire’s contract, which appears increasingly likely, and revisit Thiaw at the end of next season, when Newcastle might be more open to negotiations.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

online polls

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