Manchester United defender Harry Maguire joined the club in 2019 and has been a faithful servant to the Red Devils despite over-the-top criticism.
The Man United centre-back was never an £80-million defender, but he also wasn’t as bad as fans and critics made him out to be.
At 33, he remains a crucial figure in Man Utd’s rearguard, playing a central role in the club’s resurgence under Michael Carrick. He has also chipped in with some important goals.
However, the Englishman is in the final year of his contract with the Red Devils and may leave Old Trafford this summer. Read on as we analyse what the future potentially holds for Maguire.
Maguire’s time at Manchester United
Maguire joined Man United for a world-record figure and had the weight of expectation on his shoulders, one of many examples of the Red Devils overpaying for players.
For that exorbitant sum, fans expected him to be the solution to every one of their defensive shortcomings.
While he has struggled to live up to the price tag, Maguire has been a terrific player in his own right for the club. He has made 265 appearances for United so far, bagging 17 goals and nine assists.
Only 13 central defenders have logged more appearances for the 20-time English top-flight champions.
In Manchester, Maguire has averaged 41 games over six seasons. He’s also a big-game player who delivers big, sometimes match-winning moments as United’s vice-captain and leader.
He rarely gets beaten in the air. He has won a staggering 78% of his aerial duels in the Premier League this season and has put up figures around that number for years.
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For all the schtick about his lack of speed, he handles himself well. He has won 64% of his ground duels this term.
His sturdy ball-playing ability also deserves praise. Again, it is nothing flashy, just solid and reliable. His unglamorous style often leads many to underrate him as a player.
His leadership is another massive asset. He is constantly talking and organising the backline. That willingness to take responsibility is not a trait every player possesses, and Man United will miss it.
So what’s next for Maguire after Man United?
If this is indeed the final chapter of his time at Manchester United, Maguire will not be short of suitors across Europe. Even in the twilight of his career, he still has a lot to offer.
A move to Serie A might be particularly appealing at this stage of his career. The league’s more measured tempo and tactical emphasis on positioning over recovery pace would suit his profile perfectly.
Clubs like AS Roma could benefit from his experience and defensive nous, much like they did with Chris Smalling, who rebuilt his reputation in Italy after leaving Old Trafford.
Similarly, Juventus may view Maguire as a ready-made solution to their defensive woes. The Bianconeri need a reliable left-sided partner for Gleison Bremer.
With Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly failing to provide the quality they need, they should consider the 64-cap England international.
Maguire’s composure and organisational skills would complement Bremer’s outstanding athleticism.
A return to the Premier League is also not off the table. Everton boss David Moyes might offer him a role in the side.
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Moyes previously tried to sign him during his time at West Ham United, and his system values exactly the kind of no-nonsense defending Maguire provides.
Wherever he ends up, Maguire has already proven he can be an asset at the highest level.
A fresh environment will allow him to finish his career on his own terms, respected, reliable, and far removed from the noise that has too often defined his time in Manchester.