Harry Maguire’s time at Manchester United has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. His move to Old Trafford in 2019 from Leicester City came with much fanfare, cementing him as the most expensive defender in football history with an £80 million price tag. In his debut season, Maguire quickly became a pivotal figure in United’s defense, starting every single Premier League match and helping the team secure 13 clean sheets. His strength, composure, and leadership were vital in stabilizing the backline.
However, as time passed, Maguire’s fortunes began to shift. Despite the initial promise, the latter years of his Manchester United career have been marred by criticism, inconsistency, and struggles to maintain the form that initially made him such a vital asset. Under the reign of Erik ten Hag, Maguire’s role has diminished significantly. Once the captain of the side, he was stripped of that responsibility, signaling the manager’s changing vision for the team’s future. In the last season, he managed just 20 Premier League starts, a clear indication that he was no longer a guaranteed starter in the Dutchman’s plans.
Things took a further turn in December when Maguire sustained an injury after a stretch of solid performances, sidelining him for six crucial games. This absence opened the door for younger talents to seize the opportunity. One such talent was 19-year-old Willy Kambwala, a promising French defender, who was called up to help fill the gap left in United’s defense.
Kambwala’s introduction to Premier League football was a mixed bag. On one hand, he impressed with his technical ability, particularly his passing accuracy, boasting an outstanding 90% pass completion rate and getting involved in 90 touches during his Premier League debut against West Ham United. Despite these positives, Kambwala found the physical intensity of the game overwhelming, particularly when out of possession, losing all of his duels in that match. His performance showed glimpses of potential, but also highlighted that he still has a long way to go in adapting to the demands of senior football.
In contrast, another young defender, Will Fish, has been quietly building his reputation as a reliable and mature center-back during his loan spell at Hibernian in Scotland. Over the past two years, the 21-year-old has become a key player for the Scottish side, earning regular minutes and honing his craft. This season, Fish has been ever-present, featuring in all 25 matches for Hibernian and delivering standout performances that have earned him praise from his coaches.
Former Hibernian manager Lee Johnson has spoken highly of Fish, singling out his speed, physicality, and technical skills as attributes that could make him an ideal center-back for Manchester United in the future. Johnson’s assessment has been backed by Fish’s consistent displays, particularly in matches like the one against Aberdeen, where his calmness under pressure and ability to read the game have been lauded.
Much like Maguire, Fish excels in aerial duels, a critical aspect of his game. He has won 8 out of 9 aerial battles this season, making him a formidable presence in both his own box and the opposition’s during set pieces. Fish’s ability to chip in with goals – having scored five times across 56 appearances for Hibernian – only adds to his credentials as a well-rounded defender.
As the future of Maguire remains uncertain, with his role in the squad diminishing and speculation about a potential move elsewhere, the development of Fish and Kambwala suggests that United may already have potential successors waiting in the wings. Fish, in particular, has shown considerable growth and could be ready to step into the first team once his loan spell concludes. His maturity, combined with his physical attributes, makes him a strong candidate to replace Maguire in the long term, especially if he continues to refine his game at the highest level.
Maguire’s aerial dominance and experience will not be easily replaced, but with Fish’s rise and Kambwala’s raw potential, United could be well-positioned to move forward with a new generation of defenders. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Maguire can reclaim his place or if the torch will be passed to the club’s emerging talents.