The experienced centre-half has been out of the England picture for well over a year and is out of contract the end of the season but he was back to his best in the Manchester derby
Harry Maguire walks down the tunnel
Harry Maguire was outstanding in United's win in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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If Harry Maguire does not win another cap, he can still look proudly back at a fine international career. He was almost talismanic in England’s run to the semi-finals of World Cup 2018 and was a key figure in the progression to the final of the Euros in 2021, scoring in the quarter-final win over Ukraine.
He started every match at World Cup 2022 and has made 64 England appearances, scoring seven times - not a bad ratio for a defender. But his last match in an England jersey was under caretaker boss Lee Carsley way back in early September, 2024.
Injuries have not helped his cause but it is clear he is not high in Thomas Tuchel’s defensive pecking order. But while the England manager is unlikely to make decisions based on one performance, Maguire’s outstanding display in the Manchester derby should put the 32-year-old defender back on the international radar.
And it could well alter United’s stance on Maguire’s future. His contract expires at the end of the season and it had been strongly suggested he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer.
But Michael Carrick is a massive admirer of Maguire’s and his decision to start him against City proved to be inspiring. Maguire made the headed clearance that started the breakaway move that was finished by Bryan Mbeumo and - along with Lisandro Martinez - kept Erling Haaland so quiet that Pep Guardiola substituted the Norwegian striker.
Thomas Tuchel at a press conference
Thomas Tuchel has yet to include Harry Maguire in one of his England squads(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Carrick was full of praise for Maguire, saying: “I felt it was a game for experience and knowing what it feels like. It was a big ask for H (Maguire) and credit to him. I think we can take for granted sometimes what players do but for him to play today and come through it …
“I’m not going to lie, it was a bit of a calculated gamble on how long he could play and on whether he could get through it because he’s literally trained for two or three days for probably eight or nine weeks. So that just shows you what it really means to him. I thought he was fantastic.”
Manchester United Coach Michael Carrick and Harry Maguire of Manchester United answer questions from the media at a press conference during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on November 22, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is a big fan of Harry Maguire(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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He was indeed, complementing a flawless defensive display with a couple of trademark attacking surges. He also came close to scoring early in proceedings with a header that crashed off the crossbar.
In his last squad, Tuchel named five defenders who can operate centrally. Amongst those was John Stones but the Manchester City man has only started four Premier League games this season and has not been seen since coming on as a substitute in the 5-4 win at Fulham on December 2.
John Stones of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Bayer 04 Leverkusen
John Stones has started only four Premier League games for Manchester City this season(Image: (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images))
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At the moment, it would seem Marc Guehi and Ezra Konsa are probably in the prime positions to start at World Cup 2026 but there are surely back-up slots up for grabs in the central defensive area. The likes of Jarell Quansah and Dan Burn - named in Tuchel's last squad - have not had trouble-free seasons.
And if Maguire stays fit, he will almost certainly be a permanent fixture in the United line-up for the rest of the season. That should give Tuchel AND the Old Trafford hierarchy a very welcome dilemma.
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