Manchester United weigh the futures of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw as Ruben Amorim plans major defensive and midfield reinforcements for 2026
In the summer of 2025, Manchester United made significant moves in the transfer market. Ruben Amorim decided to give the team a new direction, and the club made several major changes. The new attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko immediately raised fans’ expectations. At the same time, young defender Diego León and goalkeeper Senne Lammens injected fresh energy and a glimpse of the future.
On the other hand, the club said goodbye to several important players. Chelsea bought Alejandro Garnacho for £40m, while experienced players such as Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelöf left as free agents. Manchester United sent Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and Rasmus Højlund to Napoli. The Red Devils loaned Antony to Real Betis and Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa. Manchester United sent goalkeeper André Onana to Trabzonspor. Amid all these changes, reports emerged that Manchester United want to extend Harry Maguire’s contract, although Saudi clubs are also keeping an eye on him.
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Meanwhile, Dean Jones has reported that United are starting to plan for 2026. In this regard, they are currently assessing whether to renew the contracts of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. The manager, Ruben Amorim, wants to add more quality in midfield as well as the back line next year. We can expect the club to sign a new midfielder and a defender in the January transfer window.
Manchester United will decide on the futures of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw
Manchester United will decide on the futures of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw
Meanwhile, Maguire recently signed a contract extension, but his deal will expire in the summer of 2026. There is still uncertainty over his future due to his high wages and the emergence of younger players. On the other hand, Shaw has a contract with United until 2027, but United’s management might be concerned about his fitness, as he has missed many games. If United look to sign a centre-back, players such as Ronald Araujo and Marc Guehi could be very good options in the market.
Author Opinion
We think the Maguire and Shaw situation is not an easy decision for the club. Maguire’s career has been full of ups and downs. He became captain under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and played well initially, but his performance declined under Erik ten Hag, and he lost the captaincy. Still, in recent months, the English defender has proven himself in Amorim’s back three.
His aerial ability, leadership and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him relevant again. Reports suggest the club are considering an extension for him, but there are doubts about his sluggishness and high wages. On the other hand, Saudi clubs are constantly monitoring him, and if United get the right offer, selling him could be an option.
Luke Shaw, who joined in 2014, has played over 250 matches and won the Players’ Player of the Year award twice. He struggled under Mourinho but proved his class under Solskjær and Amorim. When fit, Amorim considers him world-class. However, a series of injuries has raised questions about Shaw’s reliability. There are options in the squad, such as Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro, while the club have also added new names such as Patrick Dorgu and Diego León.
United have to find a balance in their future plans. If Maguire and Shaw stay, they will provide experience and stability. If the club decide to move on, options such as a new central defender and left-back are already available both in the market and in the squad. Ultimately, Amorim and the management must decide which players fit into their system and which hinder the club’s long-term goals. As fans, we believe that with the right decisions, this team can regain its strength and identity.