Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire. (Reuters/Ed Sykes)
Manchester United’s start to the 2025/26 season has been one to forget.
With just three wins from their opening seven Premier League matches, the Red Devils sit 10th in the table — a far cry from the standards expected at Old Trafford.
New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, brought in to reinvigorate the attack, have struggled to make an impact, while a shock EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town has further fuelled frustration among supporters.
Many fans believe the club needs a major rebuild — a new direction, fresh faces, and perhaps even a change in management.
Yet, rather than clearing the decks, United appear to be focusing on keeping one of their longest-serving players at the club.
Manchester United in Talks to Extend Maguire Contract
According to a new report from Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have opened talks with Harry Maguire over a new deal that would extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer of 2026.
The centre-back, who currently earns around £190,000 per week, signed his last long-term contract shortly after joining from Leicester City in 2019 for a then-record £80 million fee — still the highest ever paid for a defender.
That deal is due to expire at the end of this season, with United now exploring an extension.
After several difficult campaigns marked by injuries, criticism, and the loss of the club captaincy to Bruno Fernandes, Maguire has worked his way back into the starting XI under Rúben Amorim. His performances have reportedly impressed the United hierarchy, who value his experience and leadership at a time when defensive consistency remains a problem.
Discussions between the club and the player’s representatives have already begun, with further meetings expected in the coming weeks. United are said to be “pleased” with Maguire’s professionalism and the influence he continues to have in the dressing room.
For a player once written off and seemingly on his way out of Old Trafford, it’s a remarkable turnaround — though given United’s reported financial struggles, extending a deal worth close to £200,000 a week will no doubt raise eyebrows among supporters.
Still, as former England boss Gareth Southgate once said of Maguire, he remains an “outstanding” defender when in form — and perhaps United feel his resurgence deserves to be rewarded.
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