In the space of just two weeks, Harry Maguire has transformed from a forgotten figure on the treatment table to the undisputed general of Michael Carrick’s Manchester United defence. After masterminding back-to-back victories over Man City and Arsenal, the reborn 32-year-old hasn’t just recovered his fitness—he’s sparked a debate over whether United can really afford to let him walk away this summer.
One of the biggest problems Ruben Amorim had at Manchester United was his inability to settle on a defence during his time as head coach. The 40-year-old insisted on a system with three centre-backs, so Harry Maguire got game time when he was fit and was often used as a Plan B in the opponent’s box when United were chasing games.
Perhaps the biggest change at United since Michael Carrick returned as head coach is how he has settled on a back four, selecting the same four defenders in his first two games, beating title contenders Man City and Arsenal.
HOW will Harry Maguire be remembered at Manchester United?💥
Harry Maguire celebrates scoring for Manchester United.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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It remains to be seen if Carrick will make any changes to his team when they host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, although he will be forced to alter his attack following Patrick Dorgu’s injury blow.
Maguire will be one of the first names on the teamsheet after two incredible displays under Carrick, as United look to extend their winning run to three league matches.
Harry Maguire and Steve Holland after beating Arsenal
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Harry Maguire set to reject offers to stay at Man Utd
Reports in the past week stated Maguire wants to stay at United, regardless of how his contract could expire at the end of the season.
That means Maguire is free to negotiate deals with foreign clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, but he is focused on helping United win matches and secure qualification for the Champions League.
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According to TEAMtalk, Maguire is prioritising a new United contract above every other option on the table – regardless of who approaches him between now and the end of the season.
Maguire turns 33 in March, and he wants to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, but United fans would expect any new terms to include a reduction in wages.
The report claims that those close to Maguire insist he has ‘no intention’ of leaving the club.
That could change if Maguire is told he has no future at United, but that clearly hasn’t happened as everyone at the club should be focused on results at the moment.
It’s a conversation worth having when, or if, United book their place in the Champions League.
Maguire has been at United since 2019, when he completed a £80m deal from Leicester City.
The former Sheffield United and Leicester City defender believes he has done enough to warrant a new deal at the club.
Should Harry Maguire get a contract extension beyond the 2025/26 season?
Harry Maguire celebrating at Anfield
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Who are Man Utd’s oldest players?
As of January 2026, the oldest players at United include Tom Heaton, Casemiro, and Maguire.
There is a chance all three of those players could leave this summer, after Casemiro announced plans to part ways when the 2025/26 campaign concludes.
Heaton, 39, is third choice goalkeeper but could be asked to sign a one-year extension to remain in that role.
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