In January 2022, the future looked bleak for Harry Maguire at Manchester United as he endured a torrid time as club captain.
He was subject to endless online abuse, including from his own fans, which led to bad performances on the pitch. He was subsequently stripped of the captain’s armband later that year by new coach Erik ten Hag.
The idea was to take the pressure away from him in order to help the former Leicester City defender find his best form again.
Fast forward to 2026, and Maguire has become a reliable stalwart at the heart of United’s defence once more. Under interim coach Michael Carrick, Maguire is fighting for his immediate future.
As his contract ticks towards its final five months, we take a look at why the 33-year-old has suddenly become one of the most important names on the team sheet.
5. Big game player
While United have struggled for consistency, Maguire’s record this season is undeniable. He has become Carrick’s safety net for the season’s biggest hurdles.
Maguire has only made six starts in the Premier League this term, during which United have beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. He actually scored the winning goal against Liverpool.
During their 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates, Maguire won 100% of his aerial duels against the league leaders.
4. Carrick’s cautious 4-2-3-1
Although Maguire has made a solid career for himself playing in a 3-4-3 system, he struggled for consistency under Ruben Amorim, who favored the formation.
Carrick has reverted to a 4-2-3-1 setup, which has actually liberated Maguire. The former Hull City man provides the steel, while his Argentine partner Lisandro Martinez brings the silk.
The departure of Amorim saw United ditch the experimental 3-4-3 for a more traditional, compact 4-2-3-1. This shift has brought the best out of the Englishman in recent weeks.
3. Gamble on fitness
Maguire has opted not to rush back from injury. His latest calf injury had sidelined him for nine games. However, he is now back fully fit, and his level of sharpness has earned him two Man of the Match Awards in his first two games back in charge.
Carrick called the decision to start him against Manchester City a “calculated gamble” that paid off. For a player who has made 591 career appearances, he has handled his situation with the experience of a veteran.
This is important, especially given United’s other center back options like Leny Yoro (20) and Ayden Heaven (19) are pushing for minutes.
United’s defense can often look anxious, given their youth, so Maguire’s experience could come in handy.
2. Maguire playing for his future
Maguire is in the final six months of his contract and is free to speak to overseas clubs. While Casemiro is confirmed to leave and Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona, Maguire is effectively playing for his future.
According to The Athletic, agents from Serie A and the Turkish Super Lig have already made contact. Maguire’s heart, however, remains in the North of England. He is ready to reject lucrative Saudi Arabian offers to prove he belongs at Old Trafford.
1. England prospects
Maguire knows the upcoming FIFA World Cup could be his last major international tournament representing England. The defender will be keen to add to his 64 caps this year, but manager Thomas Tuchel has yet to select him.
He will hope to continue his impressive displays to earn his place back in the squad. Having helped England reach the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the Euro 2020 final, he will be hungry to make the nation break its trophy drought, which stretches back to the 1966 World Cup.
Will Maguire stay at Manchester United?
The club is prioritising a midfield overhaul at the moment, but replacing a defender of Maguire’s experience could cost upwards of £60m.
INEOS could be reluctant to spend that kind of money, given their current financial restrictions. If United secure Champions League football, which they are on course to do under Carrick, the extra revenue may be used to offer Maguire a performance-based extension.
