Paul Scholes’ willingness to write Harry Maguire out of the picture for Manchester United’s trophy-challenging ambitions overlooks the value that the defender offers.
Speaking on his podcast with Nicky Butt, former TNT Sports pundit Paul Scholes pulled no punches over a ‘sell’ or ‘keep’ challenge with the Red Devils’ squad.
Harry Maguire, unfortunately, was one of the Manchester United first-team players whom Scholes would be willing to offload from Old Trafford in the short term.
To his credit, however, Scholes did label the former Man Utd captain as “sensational” after he “brought himself back from the dead” amid the turbulence of his spell.
READ MORE: Harry Maguire finally inks new Man Utd extension as first contract details emerge
Paul Scholes reacts before the English FA Cup third-round match between Manchester City and Salford City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, in 2026.
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Harry Maguire’s Man Utd run is set to continue with brand-new contract confirmed! ✍️✅
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Harry Maguire celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Harry Maguire celebrates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Harry Maguire’s powerful assessment of the Man Utd first-team squad shows why he is needed more than ever
Unfortunately for Paul Scholes, Harry Maguire is set to stay at Manchester United after the 33-year-old England defender signed a brand-new contract on Tuesday.
Maguire has put pen to paper on a 12-month extension and the former Red Devils skipper will remain at Old Trafford for the 2026-27 Premier League campaign now.
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The Man Utd defender’s contract renewal is deserved after becoming a key part of the backline under interim Red Devils head coach Michael Carrick since January.
Following the news of his contract extension, Maguire reinforced his importance for United’s hunt for major silverware with his role in the Red Devils first-team squad.
The Three Lions international can see the “ambition and potential” emerging in the United team, but his experience and senior role are more important than ever.
“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us.”
READ MORE: Paul Scholes explains why he thinks Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro should be sold at Man Utd
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Why did Paul Scholes want to offload Harry Maguire, despite the Man Utd star’s prominent role at Old Trafford?
Paul Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football that he would choose Matthijs de Ligt over Maguire if he had to keep one United star for a title challenge.
“It’s Manchester United, you’ve got to be talking about winning the Premier League,” he said.
“If it’s one of four, you’d probably take him, but I’d have De Ligt in that as one of four.
“I think they’re both quite similar, but De Ligt is a little bit younger, so that’s on his side; he’s a little bit quicker, so I’d probably just go for De Ligt.”
It felt more like a ‘lesser of two evils’ moment from United legend Scholes, who sided with the injured Matthijs de Ligt due to his age and pace over Maguire.
However, Maguire’s eight seasons at Old Trafford, his impressive experience and the rebuilding of his Man Utd career make up for both his lack of pace and age.
Whoever the next permanent United manager might be after Ruben Amorim, there is no denying that the Red Devils need the right balance for the squad right now.
Maguire’s experience makes him an integral part of having the right kind of senior figures in the squad to support the longer-term development of other talent.
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