Maguire’s new deal could be bad news for two Man United teammates
Harry Maguire’s new deal could spell the end for two Manchester United defenders – but that’s not his problem.
Harry Maguire deserves his new deal (Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar, Getty Images)
In a break with recent tradition, Manchester United have made the right decision. And no-one deserves to benefit from it more than Harry Maguire.
In a move that ends speculation about Maguire’s immediate future, United have handed him a new contract. It will keep him at Old Trafford until 2027, and perhaps 12 months longer if he continues to perform to a high level.
Which is what Maguire did to earn his contract extension in the first place. The duration of the deal could take Maguire past the age of 35. Which means he has committed what remains of his career to a club he hopes will help him win some big trophies before hanging up his boots.
A fitting reward for a defender who has travelled on a rollercoaster ride since joining United in 2019. Back then the deal made him the most expensive defender in world football. The problem he had, however, was that certain managers didn’t always rate him as one of the best defenders at the club, let alone on the planet.
Most notably Erik ten Hag, who went as far as to strip Maguire of the United captaincy. But while notable managers have come and gone during Maguire’s time at United, the 33-year-old remained steadfast in his determination to prove he deserved to be at the club.
The sacking of Ruben Amorim at the start of 2026 proved to be the break Maguire needed. Maguire was not always first choice in the mind of Amorim.
But Michael Carrick returned on an interim basis and took the sensible decision to value Maguire’s experience and leadership. Maguire has responded with some consistent performances.
The one which stood out more than most was Maguire’s display in helping United win at bitter rivals Liverpool several months ago.
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And since then, he has gone on to be one of the best English defenders in the Premier League. He has earned a recall to the England squad ahead of the World Cup. And should be on the plane to the United States at the start of June.
In the meantime, United’s decision to commit to Maguire will spell bad news for the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.
While Maguire can be relied upon moving forward, this duo cannot. De Ligt has been missing in action for months on end, and when it comes to woeful fitness problems due to constant injuries, Martinez is not far behind him.
If Maguire continues to perform at a high level, it’s difficult to see how De Ligt, in particular, gets back into the team, and questions could also be asked of Martinez if his wretched luck with injuries continues.
Maguire, meanwhile, continues to be the rock around which United’s defence is built. And despite approaching the twilight of his career, Maguire could still have his best and most successful seasons ahead of him.
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