The Harry Maguire Dilemma: Should Manchester United Renew His Contract?

Manchester United have reportedly made it clear to several clubs that they consider Harry Maguire part of their long-term plans.

Earlier this week, multiple reports suggested that Maguire had turned down offers from several interested teams. It has also emerged that the Red Devils are now contemplating offering the centre-back a new contract, which could potentially see him end his career at Old Trafford.

Given that the England international has now turned 32, any proposed extension is likely to keep him at the club until retirement.

A Difficult History at Old Trafford

Maguire’s journey at Manchester United has been turbulent since his record-breaking £80 million transfer in 2019, a fee that stunned football fans and pundits alike.

While his initial season showed promise, his performances deteriorated drastically in subsequent campaigns. At one stage, Maguire became a viral figure for all the wrong reasons, with countless memes and criticism following several high-profile mistakes.

Under Erik ten Hag’s leadership, Maguire saw his role diminish significantly. He played a marginal part in the Dutchman’s first season and was stripped of the captaincy in 2023. A proposed move to West Ham United was close to materialising that summer but ultimately did not go through.

Since then, however, he has managed to fight his way back into the squad and re-established himself as one of the key leaders in the dressing room.

Despite his admirable resurgence, Manchester United must avoid allowing emotions to dictate critical decisions.

Why Maguire Might Not Fit the New System

Although Maguire has seen improvement in his form, his success has largely come when deployed in a back three—similar to the system used by former England boss Gareth Southgate during international tournaments.

However, when analysing the tactical demands of manager Rúben Amorim, Maguire appears to fall short in several key areas.

For starters, pace has never been one of his strengths—a significant drawback in the modern game. With age, this limitation will likely become even more pronounced. Additionally, Amorim’s approach heavily relies on ball-playing defenders who can distribute effectively from the back. Maguire, at best, offers average proficiency in this area.

The likes of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven embody the attributes required in Amorim’s system—youth, speed, composure on the ball, and tactical intelligence. Maguire, unfortunately, lacks many of these essential characteristics.

A History of Sentimentality at Manchester United

Manchester United have long been criticised for allowing sentiment to cloud footballing decisions.

The club have held onto several players—such as Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, and Jadon Sancho—longer than necessary, delaying inevitable squad refreshes.

Re-signing Harry Maguire might appear a noble gesture to reward his perseverance, but it contradicts the long-term vision required to take the team forward.

Under the Ineos ownership, United have signalled a new transfer philosophy: targeting young talents and players yet to hit their peak. Handing new deals to veterans past their prime sends a conflicting message and undermines that direction.

Matthijs De Ligt’s Presence Further Complicates Matters

Even setting tactical concerns aside, Maguire’s spot in the squad faces significant competition from Matthijs De Ligt.

While Maguire showcased his aerial strength with a dramatic winning goal against Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League in April, De Ligt also possesses dominance in the air.

Importantly, De Ligt offers greater mobility, a more progressive passing range, and, at 25 years old, still has his best years ahead of him.

With such a profile already in the squad, the need to extend Maguire’s stay becomes increasingly redundant.

Financial Implications of Retaining Maguire

One of the biggest challenges in keeping Maguire lies in his current wage. The defender is reportedly earning around £190,000 per week, excluding bonuses.

Even if he agrees to a slight wage reduction, it is improbable that it would be significant enough to justify his status as a squad player.

It’s widely accepted—even among his supporters—that Maguire should no longer be a starting centre-back. However, paying top-tier wages to a bench player is a poor use of resources, especially at a club looking to streamline operations under new leadership.

Blocking the Progress of Young Talent

Maguire’s continued presence in the squad could also hinder the development of emerging talents.

Eighteen-year-old Ayden Heaven has impressed in his limited opportunities, and consistent game time is vital for his growth. Retaining Maguire risks limiting such chances.

Similarly, Tyler Fredricson, a promising academy graduate, has demonstrated his potential and needs exposure at the senior level.

Furthermore, the club recently secured Harley Emsden-James from Southampton, another promising defender, and also have Godwill Kukonki, who has already been part of the first-team squad on occasion.

With so many up-and-coming defenders pushing for opportunities, keeping an ageing centre-back on high wages seems counterproductive.

A Difficult but Necessary Decision

There is no denying that Harry Maguire has shown commitment and resilience during his time at Manchester United. His ability to bounce back and reclaim a place in the squad deserves recognition.

However, football is a results-driven business, and difficult decisions must be made for the greater good of the club.

With a high wage bill, tactical mismatches, and a talented crop of young defenders waiting in the wings, the most sensible approach is to allow Maguire’s contract to run its course and part ways next summer—gracefully, but decisively.

United must resist the pull of nostalgia if they are to build a team fit for the future.