​Manchester United’s defender Harry Maguire faced an uncertain future in the second half of last season, with his contract set to expire this summer and questions swirling about his place in the squad. Yet he silenced the speculation by putting pen to paper on a new deal in April, committing his future to the club. He concluded the campaign as one of Michael Carrick’s most trusted players, providing the backline with solidity and experience as United clinched third place in the Premier League. The 33-year-old finished the season with two goals and two assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.
Maguire’s United career has been a rollercoaster since his move to the club in the summer of 2019, when he became the world’s most expensive defender. He enjoyed a strong period under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who handed him the captain’s armband in January 2020 after Ashley Young’s departure. He remained captain after Solskjaer’s exit, but his playing time waned after Erik ten Hag arrived in 2022. Ten Hag eventually stripped him of the armband and gave the role to Bruno Fernandes ahead of the 2023/24 season.
There were reports that Maguire was surplus to requirements under Ten Hag that summer, with links to a potential move to West Ham United. However, he chose to stay and fight for his place in the starting XI. That season saw him in and out of the team, and he missed the 2024 FA Cup final due to a muscle injury. He regrouped the following season, thriving as part of a back three under Ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim.
Injuries interrupted Maguire’s progress last season, but he regained his form around the turn of the year. When United shifted to a back four under Carrick, Maguire fitted in smoothly alongside Lisandro Martínez, forming a reliable centre-back pairing. His leadership and composure were on display in crucial moments as the team pressed for consistency.
Maguire’s impact did not go unnoticed, with England great Gary Lineker praising him as “bloody brilliant” after United’ s 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates in January. Although he no longer wears the armband, the perception among colleagues appears to have shifted in his favor, with many viewing him as a respected voice within the dressing room.
According to a notable report in The Sun, Maguire is regarded by United players as Bruno Fernandes’ deputy. The article suggested that there is no formal ranking, yet the prevailing view among players and staff is that Maguire stands as the second-in-command behind Fernandes. The dynamic underscores Maguire’s renewed standing within the squad and his value as a leader even when not wearing the armband in official capacity.
Maguire did indeed captain the team for a notable moment—the shock EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby Town last season, a match played when Fernandes was on the bench. In that period, Lisandro Martínez wore the armband in the absence of both regular captains. Beyond that single instance, Maguire’s responsibilities within Amorim’s leadership group and his steady contributions at centre-back highlighted his rejuvenated role at Old Trafford.