Manchester United are considering the futures of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw amid emerging plans to sign a new central defender in 2026, journalist Dean Jones has revealed.
The Old Trafford side are working towards the next step of their ongoing squad rebuild under Ruben Amorim and have reportedly placed signing both a new central midfielder and a centre-back on the agenda.
While Brighton’s Carlos Baleba remains a dream midfield target following the failed pursuit in the summer, United have yet to pinpoint a concrete desired signing in central defence, with the area not expected to be addressed until the end of the season.
Decisions have yet to be made over the current personnel, as both Shaw and Maguire are under assessment, which makes the chances of a January centre-back addition slim.
The two England internationals are among United’s best-paid players, with Maguire taking home a reported £235,000 per week, while Shaw earns weekly wages of £200,000.
United Considering Shaw and Maguire Futures
Harry Maguire in action for Manchester United
According to Jones, the 2025/26 season is seen as a crucial evaluation and scouting phase for Man United, with the club hoping to use the current campaign to narrow down the list of long-term targets and further assess the current squad.
While midfield signings appear to be top of the plans, a centre-back addition at the turn of the year remains unlikely, unless a player too good to ignore becomes available on the market.
Maguire, who saw a one-year extension triggered to his contract in January, is under a deal until June and remains in the frame for a further extension.
However, even if the England international stays, there is an acknowledgment that further squad depth and quality will be required in central defence, with Shaw’s future also under consideration.
The 30-year-old has featured as the left-sided centre-back in Amorim’s squad for the first three games of the season, with Lisandro Martinez yet to recover from an ACL injury he suffered last term.
United also have the likes of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt available for selection, as well as youngsters Tyler Fredricson and Ayden Heaven.
Man United sit ninth in the Premier League after three games, having collected just four points from nine available.
Amorim’s side next take on Manchester City on Sunday away from home, and 13 players could end up missing the clash following a gruelling international break.