Harry Maguire has endured a turbulent spell at Manchester United, one marked by relentless criticism, diminished status, and questions over his future. Since his record-breaking arrival, the weight of his transfer fee has loomed large, often overshadowing his performances. Once the club’s undisputed captain, Maguire saw his role diminish with the arrival of new centre-backs and managerial changes. At one point, his departure felt inevitable.
But football is a game of redemption, and under Rúben Amorim, Maguire has found a new lease on life. A mix of tactical necessity and squad injuries opened a window, and to his credit, he seized it. This resurgence hasn’t been accidental, it’s been a measured and determined response to adversity. Amorim has restored him to a role of greater responsibility, and Maguire has responded with leadership and moments of impact.
According to _[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/harry-maguire-named-irreplaceable-star-at-man-united-in-shock-u-turn-under-ruben-amorim/)_, the club now views Maguire as one of four key players to retain moving forward, an assessment that starkly contrasts with his status just a year ago. He has not only regained minutes but made them count. His decisive header in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Lyon is a perfect example: a goal that not only sent United to the final but reminded fans and critics alike of his value in crucial situations. That performance, and others like it, have reportedly led the club to consider offering him a new contract, with his current deal set to expire next season.
Does Harry Maguire deserve a new contract at Manchester United?
It’s a compelling narrative twist, one that highlights how quickly reputations can shift in football. Maguire, once all but written off, is now being considered a foundational piece in the Amorim era. Yet, this raises a critical question: is it wise for Manchester United to commit to a player who was so close to the exit door not long ago?
That decision hinges on whether the club views his resurgence as a sustainable evolution or a short-term patch in a turbulent season. Renewing his contract would signal belief in his role as a leader and squad stabilizer. But United must also ensure they are not simply rewarding a brief spike in form at the expense of long-term planning. Maguire’s story is one of resilience, but whether that resilience earns him a new deal will say a lot about where this club is headed under Amorim.
Judging by his recent performances, the 32-year-old has proven to be more than just a defensive asset. His presence during set-pieces adds a tangible threat, and his assertiveness in high-pressure moments brings much-needed composure to a young and evolving squad. Rúben Amorim is building a team that requires character as much as technical ability, and Maguire appears to have reestablished his standing within the dressing room. The English international, once on the fringes, has regained the respect of his teammates and his manager, an intangible yet vital quality in any successful rebuild.
That said, a degree of caution is warranted. Is a solid six-month run truly enough to justify a contract extension? English football is relentless in its demand for consistency, and Maguire has yet to demonstrate he can sustain top-level form across an entire campaign. There’s also the stylistic question, United may be better served exploring younger, faster centre-backs more suited to Rúben Amorim’s progressive, high-line approach.
Yet, there’s another angle worth considering: leadership. With figures like David de Gea already gone and other senior players struggling with form or fitness, United are not exactly flush with vocal, experienced leaders. Maguire, for all his past struggles, knows the demands of the club and has worn the captain’s armband. That familiarity with the club’s culture, combined with his recent performances, might carry more weight than statistics alone suggest.
If United choose to renew his contract, it will be as much about what Maguire symbolizes off the pitch as what he contributes on it. He may not be the most technical or fleet-footed defender, but his resilience, aerial presence, and ability to step up in high-stakes moments provide value. Maguire is not without flaws, but he’s shown he can still be an asset. His influence next season will ultimately depend on how Amorim chooses to blend experience with the youthful energy needed to reshape United’s backline.