Harry Maguire has entered the final year of his contract with Manchester United, and his future remains up in the air at the moment.
The Englishman’s deal was originally set to expire this summer, but the Red Devils triggered a one-year extension option at the turn of this year.
Maguire has divided opinion among fans ever since walking through the door in the summer of 2019 from Leicester City for a reported £80m fee, which remains a world record fee for a defender.
The price tag hasn’t helped the Englishman’s cause at the Theatre of Dreams, while he has endured a wide range of emotions during his stint so far.
From being handed the armband to helping register the record unbeaten Premier League run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Maguire enjoyed an impressive start to life at Old Trafford. Unfortunately, he also suffered the humiliation of getting stripped of captaincy under Erik ten Hag and was a step away from exit in the summer of 2023.
However, Maguire fought back and was vital to United last season, even wrestling his way back into Ruben Amorim’s plans and securing a place in the Portuguese’s leadership group in the dressing room.
SNo longer a guaranteed starter this season
Unfortunately, Maguire has struggled for action this season, registering just two starts across competitions, including only one in the Premier League.
With Amorim preferring Matthijs de Ligt as his central centre-back, the Englishman is no longer guaranteed game time at United.
With the likes of Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven also in the squad, Maguire’s situation may not improve as the season progresses.
However, the veteran defender remains a solid backup option for De Ligt at the moment, while his experience will help the younger members of the squad.
The player, interestingly, could have the chance to enter negotiations with potential suitors at the turn of the year, ahead of a possible Bosman move this summer.
However, it now appears that Maguire will also have the option to continue his stay with the Red Devils if he agrees to a specific requirement.
A highly experienced campaigner
According to journalist Samuel Luckhurst writing for The Sun, United are likely to consider tying Maguire down to a new deal, provided he is willing to take a pay cut.
“United are expected to discuss the possibility of a renewal with Maguire, whose deal also expires at the end of the season.
“Manager Ruben Amorim ensured that United triggered the one-year option in the centre-half’s deal in January, and the club rejected summer enquiries for the 32-year-old.
“Maguire, who became the most expensive defender in the world when he moved to United from Leicester for £80million in 2019, is on £190,000 a week. United may attempt to keep Maguire, who turns 33 in March, on a reduced salary seven years on from his transfer.”
Maguire has registered 251 appearances for United to date, and has won the FA Cup and the EFL Cup so far. Reports have suggested that the Englishman is open to the prospect of staying at Old Trafford.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
