Harry Maguire turned things around at Manchester United this season and is on the verge of signing a new deal. He could also be on the cusp of making England’s World Cup squad despite previously being overlooked by Thomas Tuchel.
It’s the business end of the football season, and Manchester United have several players trying to prove their worth on the international stage in time for the World Cup.
As for United loanee and Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, it remains to be seen if his nation will qualify for the tournament, as they’ve got a play-off final against Czechia on Tuesday night.
There were three United players in action for England on Friday night, including Harry Maguire, who earned praise from the national media for his performance after returning to the Three Lions defence against Uruguay.
Harry Maguire and Calvert Lewin
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Should Harry Maguire get a contract extension beyond the 2025/26 season?
Harry Maguire celebrating at Anfield
Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images
Harry Maguire could provide another fine renaissance story
Maguire is no stranger to turning things around in his career.
There was a time when Maguire was considered a laughing stock. It got so bad that he was jeered by his own fans, and there were calls from the rooftops of many who wanted him sold.
Despite all of that, Maguire backed himself and kept working hard. He had the mindset to think straight, knowing things would change. The spotlight wasn’t going to remain on him forever.
More United News
Maguire had his backers, too. The man who brought him to Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, remains an admirer of the 33-year-old and what he brings to the team with his experience and defensive awareness.
Solskjaer believes Maguire remains one of United’s top performers, after re-establishing himself as a rock at the back under Michael Carrick this season.
It has led to Maguire earning a deserved recall to the England squad.
Having missed out on Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate after appearing at three consecutive international tournaments for England, it was the first time Maguire had been called up to an England squad in 18 months.
There is no denying that Maguire’s latest call-up is one final chance to make an impression ahead of what is likely to be his final World Cup.
Man City’s Marc Guehi is a certainty to make the England squad and start for the Three Lions, so the man most likely to miss out, should Tuchel pick Maguire, is Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
Maguire can turn things around by proving he is still among the best centre-backs in England by earning Tuchel’s trust.
Not only could he prove to be a key starter for England, but he would give Tuchel’s side an extra advantage from set-pieces with his ability to win headers in the box.
The slower pace of international suits experienced players like Maguire, who could surprise a few – at his age – this summer.
It would be naive to rule out another Maguire renaissance story this summer.
WHICH player do Manchester United NEED to sell this summer?
Manuel Ugarte? Joshua Zirkzee? Mason Mount?
Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Harry Maguire’s World Cup history
Maguire has been one of England’s most reliable centre-backs in recent times.
The centre-back has featured at two World Cup tournaments in the past.
In 2018, Maguire played at his first World Cup in Russia as England reached the semi-finals. His key moment came in the quarter-finals when he scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden.
Four years later, Maguire was a key part of the England team that reached the quarter-finals in Qatar before losing to France.
Maguire started all five England matches at the tournament, providing one assist.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox