Defender’s Revival Could Earn Him Final Big Contract at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Harry Maguire’s Manchester United Rebuild: Loyalty, Legacy and One Final Contract?

Contract Talks Loom Over Maguire’s United Future

Harry Maguire’s story at Manchester United has been one of defiance, endurance and slow redemption. As reported by the Daily Mail, United have rejected interest from multiple clubs in England and Italy for the 32-year-old defender, suggesting a potential contract extension is on the table.

With his £190,000-per-week deal due to expire at the end of the season, the England international could begin negotiating a pre-contract with foreign clubs as early as January. Yet, the belief around Old Trafford is that Maguire wants to stay. His intent, according to the Mail, is to remain with the club he joined from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million, at the time a world record fee for a defender.

“He is keen to stay at United,” sources close to the player suggest, although no talks have yet taken place.

Aiming for Club Icon Status

Maguire has a clear vision. He wants to follow in the footsteps of Manchester United stalwarts. “Maguire’s desire is to emulate the likes of Denis Irwin, Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson, who are all fondly regarded as key United mainstays by the club’s support.”

It’s a bold ambition for a player who only a year ago looked destined for the exit. After being stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag and nearly joining West Ham, few expected such a comeback. Yet, under Ruben Amorim, Maguire’s influence has grown. Not only has he filled in as captain in Bruno Fernandes’ absence, but he was pivotal in United’s stunning 5-4 Europa League quarter-final victory over Lyon, heading in the decisive goal.

Tempting Offers Abroad

While United are yet to formally open talks, they’ve told suitors they want to keep him. Nonetheless, clubs are circling. French sides Monaco and Marseille are monitoring his situation, while Turkish giants Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Galatasaray could use their relationships with former United bosses Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to tempt him.

“Maguire has enjoyed something of a renaissance under Ruben Amorim,” the article states, and that has not gone unnoticed across Europe.

Meanwhile, the Mail notes how Maguire is aware of the success of his former teammate Scott McTominay, who was “named Serie A’s most valuable player” after firing Napoli to the title. Such career revivals abroad might be appealing if contract talks stall.

Decision Time Ahead

If an agreement cannot be reached, United risk losing him for free next summer. January could see clubs from outside England make their move. A new contract, however, would “cap a remarkable turnaround for the Sheffield-born centre-half”.

There’s a strong emotional pull in Maguire’s words and actions. He is not just staying for the paycheque. He is trying to rebuild his legacy at Old Trafford. If the extension is agreed, it could mark the final act of a story that’s becoming one of Manchester United’s more unlikely redemptions.

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Opinion of a Sceptical Manchester United Supporter

This report leaves me with mixed emotions. I respect what Harry Maguire has done recently and I’ll admit, I didn’t see this turnaround coming. That winner against Lyon was proper Roy of the Rovers stuff. Fair play to him. But let’s not pretend we’re in 2019 anymore. Extending a deal for a 32-year-old who’s already on £190,000 a week doesn’t scream long-term planning.

I get that he wants to be mentioned alongside legends like Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, and maybe his loyalty should count for something. Still, we’re a club that should be building for the future, not holding onto the past. Ruben Amorim has clearly got a tune out of him, but this feels like a short-term fix.

If there’s a good offer in January, I’d honestly consider it. We need fresh legs and consistent availability at the back. Unless he’s willing to take a reduced salary, I can’t see how extending his deal makes strategic sense.

That said, there’s no denying his character. After losing the captaincy and nearly being sold, he has shown resilience. But heart alone can’t win titles. We need to be smart, not sentimental.