Harry Maguire's Manchester United contract expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, but a new contract now looks more than likely.
Harry Maguire has been crucial to Manchester United since Michael Carrick replaced Darren Fletcher as head coach until the end of the season. The England international has started every match under the former midfielder.
Prior to Carrick’s return, Maguire had been out injured, meaning he missed Rúben Amorim’s final days in charge of the Red Devils. Maguire’s return to the bench was against Burnley, but he failed to get on, though he did play 11 minutes in the FA Cup against Brighton.
The return to the starting lineup was for Carrick’s first game against Manchester City, in which the head coach had just three days of training before the Derby.
With Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt out injured, Maguire has had to hold down the defensive reins while Leny Yoro has come in alongside him. Despite being forced to the left side of central defence, Maguire has continued to impress.
Maguire's red card against AFC Bournemouth will mean he misses the visit of Leeds United in April, but he looks set to be available for Manchester United next season.
Maguire set for new contract
Maguire has been recalled to the England national team for the last international fixtures before the World Cup this summer, meaning he could be in line for a place in Thomas Tuchel's side, but it seems he will also have a place in the Manchester United squad next season, despite his current deal expiring at the end of this season.
Speaking to The Guardian about his contract talks, Maguire said: "I’m sure you’ll find out over the next few weeks. I think it will, it should, get sorted pretty soon."
With Casemiro already confirmed to be leaving the club in the summer, it is crucial that United keep hold of Maguire, especially if a new head coach is to replace Michael Carrick. Losing Maguire would mean two huge leaders lost in the same window where Bruno Fernandes has also been linked with a move away.
United's possible return to the Champions League next season will mean Maguire will be in line for regular minutes even if he isn't considered to be a starting option ahead of Martínez or De Ligt, although their injury records could play into Maguire's favour, too.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven will be pushing for more gametime next season, though. Therefore, United may consider selling one of their more senior defenders, especially if Maguire is to stay.
Should Maguire start?
From now until the end of the season? Yes, absolutely. Maguire is one of the few to impress in every match under Michael Carrick. Even in his red card match against Bournemouth, he would've nodded the ball home if a Bournemouth defender hadn't already done that for him.
Past this season is an entirely different conversation. If Michael Carrick remains in charge, he may deem Maguire his starting centre-back thanks to his consistency this campaign, but there are no guarantees that will be the case.
If a new head coach is appointed, Maguire may find himself back on the bench, but as he did with Erik ten Hag and Rúben Amorim, he could easily find his way back into the team.
"I don’t really have much bad to say about Ruben," said Maguire. "I really like Ruben, he’s got great ideas. The ideas just didn’t work at Manchester United.
"I do believe he’ll go on and have an amazing career, and at his next club he’ll probably go and win many, many football matches. It just didn’t click or work and us, as players, have got to take a lot of responsibility for that as well.
"He has led the club in a direction and I do think he deserves a lot of credit for that, where he’s built a good, solid squad." A solid squad in which Maguire is a key part of.