Harry Maguire’s tenure at Manchester United has been nothing short of turbulent, marked by both moments of defensive solidity and a constant stream of criticism. The weight of his £80 million price tag has followed him since his transfer from Leicester City in 2019, solidifying his status as the most expensive defender in football history. This monumental fee brought with it expectations that have, at times, been difficult for the center-back to meet. His performances, though consistent in his debut season, have often been scrutinized as he became a focal point of fan and media frustration when United’s defensive frailties were exposed.
When Maguire first arrived at Old Trafford, he was seen as the leader Manchester United’s defense needed. His debut season was impressive, with the defender starting every Premier League match and playing a crucial role in securing 13 clean sheets. His reliability and presence in the backline made him indispensable to Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s setup, and he quickly earned the captain’s armband. His aerial dominance, which placed him among the top defenders in Europe for aerial duels won, was a key asset for the team, not only defensively but also offensively during set pieces.
However, despite these early achievements, the narrative surrounding Maguire shifted over time. As Manchester United’s performances became increasingly inconsistent, the blame often fell on Maguire’s shoulders, with his hefty price tag always being referenced in the conversations about his shortcomings. Defensive errors, lapses in concentration, and a perceived lack of leadership in critical moments led to questions about whether he was the right man to lead the club’s defense. Criticism reached a new level under Erik ten Hag, who made the bold decision to strip Maguire of the captaincy. The Dutchman preferred other options in the center-back position, limiting Maguire to just 20 league starts in the season.
Injury woes compounded Maguire’s problems. A setback in December, after a brief resurgence of form, saw him miss six crucial games. This opened the door for young talents to step in, and one name that quickly gained attention was Willy Kambwala. The 19-year-old French defender, long touted as one of the brightest prospects in United’s academy, was handed his Premier League debut in a tough 2-0 loss against West Ham United. Despite the result, Kambwala showcased flashes of his technical ability, completing 90% of his passes and registering 90 touches during the match. However, his inexperience showed as he struggled with the physical demands of the game, losing all of his duels when out of possession.
While Kambwala is still seen as a work in progress, another academy product has emerged as a more immediate candidate to fill Maguire’s shoes—Will Fish. Currently on loan, Fish has earned plaudits for his commanding performances, particularly in the Scottish Premiership. His standout display against Aberdeen highlighted his defensive instincts, physical strength, and technical ability, with many now viewing him as a viable successor to Maguire. Lee Johnson, his manager during the loan spell, has heaped praise on the young defender, describing him as the ideal modern center-back, combining speed, strength, and aerial prowess.
Fish’s development has been rapid, and his ability to win aerial duels mirrors one of Maguire’s key strengths. Fish has won 8 out of 9 aerial duels in recent matches, and his imposing 6-foot-1 frame makes him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area, having already scored five goals across 56 appearances in Scotland. This knack for contributing to both ends of the pitch has made Fish one of the most exciting prospects in Manchester United’s academy, and with Maguire’s future uncertain, many expect Fish to be integrated into the first team next season.
As Manchester United looks to the future, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s hierarchy seem ready to make a decisive change. Reports suggest that Ratcliffe is prepared to cut his losses on Maguire, whose time at the club may come to an end this summer. The club is eyeing younger, hungrier talents to take over the defensive mantle, with Fish and Kambwala at the forefront of these discussions. The emergence of these academy standouts signals a shift in Manchester United’s strategy, prioritizing homegrown talent over big-money signings that haven’t always lived up to the hype.
Maguire’s journey at Manchester United may be approaching its conclusion, but his legacy will be a complex one. He was brought in to solidify a fragile defense and, at times, fulfilled that role. Yet, the pressure of his record-breaking transfer fee, combined with the evolving demands of modern football, means that his time in Manchester will be remembered as a tale of unfulfilled potential. As the club turns its attention to the next generation of defenders, the likes of Fish and Kambwala represent a new chapter, one built on youth, agility, and adaptability to the evolving game.