Manchester United’s starting centre-backs have been a poignant topic of conversation so far this season, with some feeling Harry Maguire should start.
After overseeing the final six months of last season, Rúben Amorim’s first full year at Manchester United has opened in disappointing fashion, returning just one win, one draw, and three defeats from the opening fixtures of 2025/26.
United began with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal that offered some encouragement despite the result. A lifeless 1-1 draw at Fulham followed, before an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two Grimsby Town, who won on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Their only victory so far came against Burnley, where Bruno Fernandes struck a last-minute penalty to secure a 3-2 win.
But after the international break, United were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a result that has placed Amorim’s position under increasing scrutiny.
Amorim has ready-made Maguire replaecment
Harry Maguire’s time at United has been a turbulent one. After signing from Leicester City for £80 million in 2019 and being awarded the captain’s armband just months later, the English defender played inconsistently.
A series of mistakes turned Maguire into somewhat of a pantomime villain across world football, but in the last few seasons, he has become a stellar example of mentality and a very solid centre-back, earning himself a spot among Amorim’s leadership group.
Despite starting the Europa League final in May, Maguire has been snubbed in Amorim’s Premier League starting XIs this season, with Matthijs de Ligt favoured.
Legendary United centre-back Gary Palliser has spoken on the pair, feeling that De Ligt has since become one of United’s better players this season, leaving little room for Maguire as the latter’s contract expires.
“Individual mistakes are costing Manchester United at the moment,” Palliser said. “The type of goals they’re conceding are really poor, and they aren’t creating clear chances; it’s always half-chances. The amount of goals conceded is also a major concern, considering the quality of defenders at the club.
“I thought Matthijs de Ligt was one of United’s better players against Manchester City, and Leny Yoro started to show why the club bought him towards the end of last season, although he hasn’t shown much since.
“I feel sorry for Harry Maguire at the moment because I thought he was one of their better players, but it looks like he’s lost his place to De Ligt because his contract is running down – and I’m uncertain whether the club will renew it.”
Rooney feels Maguire should be starting
Contrary to Pallister’s beliefs, former United striker and record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has stated he feels Maguire should be starting every week for United.
In reaction to United’s 3-0 defeat against Man City on the weekend, the 39-year-old explained that his compatriot should be in the starting team and acting as a leader on the pitch.
“Harry should be starting,” Rooney said on his BBC show. “I heard Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink talking about it and how much England missed Harry Maguire at the Euros because he’s a leader.
“I’m sat there thinking how is he not playing with the three defenders who are playing. He should be in there. There’s a lack of leadership.”
Gary Pallister was speaking with BetWright.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.