Telegraph: Man Utd ‘in the market’ for ‘contingencies’ in case ‘unbelievable’ star leaves in summer | OneFootball

Manchester United are actively searching for potential centre-back additions in the event that Harry Maguire leaves this summer.

As things stand, that will be the case, as he has yet to sign fresh terms with the club ahead of his contract expiring in June.

Maguire is in ongoing negotiations with the hierarchy to try to agree a new deal, with the expectation being that he accepts a pay cut on his £180,000-a-week wages in order to have his tenure extended beyond the seven-year mark.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Harry Maguire: The state of play

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Since the turn of the year, he has been free to open talks with foreign suitors over a potential move this year.

AC Milan even tried their luck by gauging the feasibility of signing him in the winter, but the 32-year-old made it clear he wanted to stay put at Old Trafford.

He is enjoying a prominent role since Michael Carrick took the reins, having started all five matches under the interim manager thus far – four of which were wins.

The centre-half claimed the Man of the Match award following his stalwart display in the win over Arsenal last month, which handed the league leaders their first home defeat of 2025/2026.

The week prior, Paul Scholes had singled out Maguire for his ‘unbelievable’ character in the aftermath of United’s emphatic Manchester derby triumph.

What one journalist is hearing about United/Maguire

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath said of United’s plans: “They are in the market for centre-backs as, at the moment, Harry Maguire, whose contract runs out in the summer, has not agreed a new deal and contingencies are being looked at.”

Currently, Carrick has quite a high-quality crop of talent to utilise in central defence.

Maguire has formed a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt is aiming to return from his lengthy injury layoff in March. Then, there are young guns Ayden Heaven, 19, and Leny Yoro, 20, who are chomping at the bit to prove themselves in the new setup.

More Stories / Latest News

Telegraph: Man Utd ‘in the market’ for ‘contingencies’ in case ‘unbelievable’ star leaves in summer

Feb 18 2026, 11:43

Pay up or no deal: INEOS outline firm but necessary stance as Euro giants look to take advantage of United for 23 G/A star

Feb 18 2026, 7:45

‘Initial talks’ held: Man Utd insider says INEOS have sounded out move for breakout PL star this week

Feb 18 2026, 7:00