Harry Maguire is a mainstay in Manchester United’s defence at the age of 33, but his performances have led to a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford beyond this season. The defensive veteran believes he is still among the world’s top centre-backs.
Michael Carrick has started Harry Maguire in every game since becoming interim head coach at the beginning of the year.
The 44-year-old will be forced to make a change in defence on Monday night when United host Leeds, with Maguire serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last time out.
This is one of the hurdles United face when they take on Leeds at Old Trafford, but Lisandro Martinez trained well in Ireland at the mid-season training camp on Tuesday.
Harry Maguire trains at Carton House with Manuel Ugarte and Bryan Mbeumo
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Harry Maguire still confident in his ability as a top defender
Although Maguire has had plenty of low points in his United career, the England international has enjoyed a redemption in recent years.
Maguire was recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel for the March international break, meaning he is in contention to make the World Cup squad this summer.
That signals a remarkable turnaround, so Maguire is clearly playing with a lot of confidence at the moment. So much so that he believes, even at 33, he is still among the top defenders in world football.
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“I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes,” Maguire told BBC Sport.
“I don’t think that’s in question really; that I can be really effective later on in games, whether you’re holding on to a lead or trying to chase a game.”
Maguire’s recent performances warrant praise, and it bodes well that he is feeling confident about his defensive ability ahead of an important Premier League run-in.
United will need Maguire to remain at his best for the remainder of the season to finish the campaign strongly.
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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.
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Harry Maguire reflects on losing Man Utd captain’s armband
Maguire was asked about losing the captaincy role during Erik ten Hag’s reign as manager when he admitted feeling angry and disappointed.
The defender talked about keeping his head down and taking inspiration from former United players like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.
Maguire added: “Obviously, your first emotion is anger and disappointment, that’s natural,” he said of the captaincy call.
“But I always thought unless you are one of the superstars and a world, world class player, you have ups and downs and things that you have to deal with. That’s why you see so many players have two or three years at the top, drop off, go to a different country and you don’t hear too much about them again.
“Wayne Rooney was here, one of the best players to ever play for this club, and he got so much pelters at times when he wasn’t doing too well. I always looked to the experience with players like Wayne and David Beckham and how they overcame it.
“I just kept my head down. I have great self-belief, more importantly, that I’m a top player. That’s what helps me when things are tough.”
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