Harry Maguire: Hargreaves tells Man United they have obvious call to make on star’s future | OneFootball

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has insisted that Manchester United have a straightforward decision to make on Harry Maguire’s future as he approaches free agency.

Maguire uncertainty

Currently in the final six months of his United contract, Maguire is poised to leave the club on a free unless an agreement can be struck on fresh terms.

He has been in fine form all season and has only gone up an extra level since Michael Carrick’s arrival as interim head coach. Maguire has formed a formidable defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez, helping United to four consecutive victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

Maguire’s aerial prowess at both ends of the pitch has been invaluable and according to Hargreaves, the club also can’t afford to lose his leadership by letting him walk away.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Hargreaves remarked, “From a leadership standpoint, if you want to defend your box as they did in the first two games, which you have to because teams have gone more old school, then Harry’s one of the best at that.”

“He’s got a partner in Martinez who can play. All the great Premier League teams started with a centre-back partnership: United with Bruce and Pallister, Vidic and Ferdinand; Chelsea with Terry and Carvalho; Arsenal with Adams, and Liverpool too. Look at Arsenal now with Gabriel and Saliba.”

“It’s all built on that. Since they’ve gone to a back four, that’s perfect. One of the biggest mistakes United made when things started to go wrong in the transfer market was losing leadership.”

He added, “They lost so many leaders within a few years: Van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Ronaldo. You can sign players all you like, but they lost leadership.”

“You only really know players when it’s difficult. Other than Bruno, they didn’t have enough leaders. With Harry’s leadership and everything he’s been through, he can mentor younger players. I hope he stays. Credit to him for how he’s come through and kept playing well.”

Hargreaves issues Carrick verdict

Carrick has enjoyed a fairytale start to life as United caretaker boss, yet doubts persist over whether he should be considered for the position on a permanent basis.

United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane have argued that United should not give him the job, irrespective of what he achieves between now and the end of the season.

Michael Owen rubbished these claims, his sentiments being echoed by Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

Hargreaves told MEN that Carrick is proving he can handle the pressure, making him impossible to ignore in United’s decision-making process.

“I don’t see how you couldn’t give it to him. What would have been the point of working that hard? You can get elite managers in, but that doesn’t guarantee success. What Michael’s doing is very impressive. The fans are happy, which is important. The players are happy and that’s important, but the most important thing is that the team wins.”

“United have had big-name managers on the bench. They had two of the greatest in the last 10 years, up there with Pep and Ancelotti: Van Gaal and Mourinho. A huge name comes with more expectation.”

Hargreaves continued, “I’ve known Michael for 24 years. I played with him for 21. He’s not a ‘me’ guy. He’ll ask, ‘What’s the solution? How can I make him play better?’ He’s good with people. He’ll put players in positions to succeed. He’s got Bruno, the best creator in the division. Kobbie is back in the team.”

“Casemiro playing as the six. Everybody’s in a good spot. The back four is super good. Every player is playing different roles compared to before. Wing-backs are full-backs. Centre-backs went from a three to a two. Midfield two is now a three. Tens playing wide or as strikers.”

“Even Bryan Mbeumo has played on the right or as a 10. To change that many players with no pre-season and still make the team function — I don’t see how you couldn’t give him the job.”

“You know what it’s like when it’s not good and when everyone’s happy, and you’re winning. Why stop that just to bring in a name? If you could get Luis Enrique, obviously. But the only thing going against Carrick is experience. The most important thing is the team functions, and it is functioning well.”

The 45-year-old pointed out that the likes of Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane were all given opportunities to manage big clubs when they initially lacked experience. He insisted that Carrick could be as successful as the duo.

Hargreaves lauded Carrick’s knack for finding winning formulas, which have worked perfectly in his games in charge. He also highlighted Carrick’s tactical adaptability, explaining how he constantly tweaks his setup to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses.

Featured image Carl Recine 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