Harry Maguire may be edging closer to an exit from Manchester United this summer, but much of his decision seems to rest on the fate of current manager Erik ten Hag. The English defender is reportedly weighing his options but intends to wait for clarity regarding Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford before making any concrete decisions about his career. With growing speculation about a managerial change, Maguire’s stance reflects both his patience and the uncertain climate surrounding the club.
Maguire has maintained solid form throughout the season, consistently delivering reliable performances for United. Last term, he was a dependable figure in the squad, and his contributions this season have been equally noteworthy. His recent partnership with Jonny Evans demonstrated his value, especially during critical moments. In a match against Porto, Maguire’s goal helped United secure a crucial late draw, and his defensive prowess played a key role in holding Aston Villa to a stalemate in the Premier League. These displays of experience and leadership have come at a time when United is navigating a challenging period under Ten Hag.
Despite his performances, Maguire’s future with the club remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that Ten Hag is looking to phase the defender out of his plans. It has been widely reported that the Dutch manager is keen on reshaping his defense and that Maguire, a high-profile signing from Leicester City in 2019, may not be part of those future plans. However, Maguire is not rushing into any decisions just yet. According to sources from Football Insider, the Sheffield-born center-back is biding his time, waiting to see if there will be a managerial shake-up at Old Trafford before deciding whether to pursue a transfer or stay put.
This cautious approach is likely linked to the possibility of a new manager giving Maguire a more prominent role in the squad. His current contract, which sees him earning £190,000 per week, is set to expire in June, and with no discussions about an extension on the horizon, Maguire is prepared to let his contract run its course if Ten Hag remains in charge. However, should the Dutch manager face the axe, Maguire could be persuaded to recommit to the club, hoping that a change in leadership would reinvigorate his career at United.
Maguire’s contributions this season have been significant, particularly when analyzing his statistics for the 2023/24 Premier League campaign. He ranks 12th in squad appearances with 22, and 7th in goals, having netted twice. Maguire also leads the team in aerial duels won per game, averaging 3.1, while his defensive stats are equally impressive. He is 2nd in clearances, recording 3.8 per game, and averages 1.1 interceptions per match. His overall match rating of 6.87 places him 4th in the team, showcasing his defensive solidity despite his uncertain role under Ten Hag.
Yet, the pressure on Ten Hag continues to mount, and his future is far from secure. United’s inconsistent results this season have left them languishing in 11th place, despite a recent 2-1 victory over Brentford. With only three wins from their first eight league games, questions are being asked about Ten Hag’s ability to steer the club in the right direction. While he was handed a new contract over the summer, the club’s disappointing start to the season has led to speculation that a managerial change could be on the horizon.
Should Ten Hag be dismissed, several high-profile candidates are already being linked with the United job. Names such as Eddie Howe, Gareth Southgate, and Thomas Tuchel have been floated as potential replacements. While Tuchel has recently taken on the role of England’s manager, the idea of Maguire playing under someone like Howe or Southgate, who have both managed him at the international level, could be appealing. Maguire’s experience could prove invaluable if the club undergoes further changes, particularly in defense, with fellow center-backs Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof also rumored to be leaving next summer.
Maguire’s journey at Manchester United has been marked by highs and lows. When he first arrived, he was a key figure in the squad, missing just 12 of the 114 Premier League matches during his first three seasons. His consistency and leadership saw him entrusted with the captaincy for much of his early tenure at the club. However, his playing time has dwindled in recent years, and he now finds himself behind new signings like Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
As Bruno Fernandes continues to lead the team as captain, some pundits, including Mark Goldbridge, have even suggested that Maguire could be called upon to start in Fernandes’ place for an upcoming match against Fenerbahce. While such a move seems unlikely, it underscores the lingering question of Maguire’s role within the team moving forward.
Beyond Evans and Maguire, United’s center-back options are relatively inexperienced, with just 53 combined Premier League appearances between them. The wealth of experience that Maguire and Evans bring to the table—246 appearances for Maguire and 383 for Evans—could be crucial in guiding the team through tight matches, especially if further departures in defense are imminent.
In conclusion, Harry Maguire finds himself at a crossroads, torn between staying at Manchester United or seeking a fresh start elsewhere. Much depends on Erik ten Hag’s future at the club, as the defender waits to see if a new manager might offer him a revitalized role. Until then, Maguire remains a vital presence in the squad, quietly going about his job and preparing for whateve
r the future holds.