Manchester United could part ways with Harry Maguire but the 32-year-old's extension could make way f
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has been at Manchester United since 2019(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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Manchester United are almost guaranteed to see two players leave the club at the end of the season with Casemiro already confirmed to depart and Tyrell Malacia's deal expiring in June.
Casemiro's exit has already been announced, despite the Brazilian's impressive displays in recent games. Malacia was close to leaving United on deadline day, only for his switch to Besiktas to be pulled at the last minute.
Harry Maguire's contract is also due to expire at the end of the season, and the 32-year-old is yet to commit to the club. Much has been made about the defender's future, especially after he recently returned to the team, starting all three of Michael Carrick's XI against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham.
But what happens to him in the summer? United currently have four other senior centre-backs alongside Maguire with Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, with the latter two at the start of their careers.
There is an argument that United could afford to shake hands with Maguire after seven years of service and part ways, allowing Heaven a more hands-on role in the first team next year. For sure, the ex-Arsenal ace has proved he's worthy of it.
However, the injury records of Martinez and De Ligt are a reason for concern. De Ligt had started the opening 13 Premier League games, but has missed over two months of action due to a back problem and still hasn't returned to training.
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The Netherlands international also missed parts of last season with Ruben Amorim due to a foot and knee injury. Martinez's cruciate ligament injury, sustained in early February 2024, kept him out until the end of November.
So where does Maguire fit in? The bonus of keeping the England international is his proposed acceptance to take a wage cut. The i Paper has reported that the defender is prepared to take a 50% wage cut to stay at Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire's contract at Manchester United expires in the summer(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Right now, the idea of four centre-backs is bearable with no European football and a whole week to prepare for just one game. But next season, United are likely to be competing in a European competition, preferably the Champions League, and squad depth has cost them before.
A new deal for Maguire would give the new manager security in defence and place focus on other pressing positions. Currently, United could easily sign a new goalkeeper, left-back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, left winger and striker in the summer.
Last time, they invested more than £200million on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. With Champions League football, that figure could increase, allowing the squad to be strengthened.
Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are United's top targets, with their Premier League displays making them the perfect fit to replace Casemiro in the summer. Patrick Dorgu's emergence as an interesting attacking threat means a new left-back could follow closely second.
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande is on Manchester United's radar this summer(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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The Manchester Evening News reported this week that United are interested in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old's breakthrough campaign in Germany has seen his register eight goals and six assists, attracting interest from Europe's biggest clubs.
It's understood that United are expected to strengthen both in midfield and on the left flank in the summer. Whatever happens on the pitch between now and then, United are going to be busy; confirming the future of Maguire and spending their budget elsewhere on more important positions could be the ideal way to kick off the summer overhaul.