What Sir Alex Ferguson really thinks about Harry Maguire as his Manchester United contract ticks down
Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Maguire
Sir Alex Ferguson has followed Harry Maguire's career closely(Image: Getty)
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Sir Alex Ferguson has already made his feelings clear on Harry Maguire as Manchester United weigh up whether to hand the defender a new deal. The centre-back's contract expires at the end of the season and while there have been positive noises about him extending his stay at Old Trafford, nothing has been agreed yet.
The 33-year-old has spent a large portion of the season on the sidelines recovering from injury but has become a key player since Michael Carrick was named interim head coach in January.
Maguire has been allowed to speak to other clubs since January, turning down approaches from Brendan Rodgers’ new Saudi club, Al Qadsiah, and AC Milan this year.
The waters are muddied by the fact it is unknown who will lead the club into next season. Carrick is in the frame after an excellent start to reign as interim boss, although United will have options in the summer, when a number of high-profile managers will be on the market.
Maguire already has one influential supporter at Old Trafford in the shape of Ferguson, who has admired the player since seeing him play for Sheffield United in the FA Youth Cup. The then-teenager suffered a concussion during the match against United's youngsters and had to spend a night in hospital.
However, his mood was lifted by a surprise phone call from Ferguson. During their conversation, it's claimed that the legendary boss told Maguire he had what it takes to make it to the top, while also checking on his condition. He also said they'd get to know each other a lot more in the years to come.
In 2018, five years after his managerial retirement, Ferguson again made his thoughts clear again as United lobbied to sign Maguire following his outstanding displays at the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
The Scot was asked about the battle to sign him at the time. According to the Manchester Evening News , he told a confidant: "They should take the lad in the boardroom and not let him out until he's signed!"
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 4: Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 4, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Maguire's United's future remains uncertain(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Recently, Maguire has had other issues on his mind after his assault and bribery conviction was upheld six years after he was arrested in Greece. He has been handed a 15-month suspended sentence after a guilty verdict by the Greek courts.
Maguire was charged with non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery following an incident on the island of Mykonos in August 2020. After being found guilty on all three counts, Maguire plans to appeal the guilty verdict, having always denied wrongdoing.
He didn't appear in court and played in United's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Wednesday night.
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