Man United Legend Steve Bruce has recently discussed the future of in-form, fellow centre-back, Harry Maguire, due to the Englishman’s contract expiring at the end of the season.
Since the appointment of the interim manager, Michael Carrick, Harry Maguire has played almost every minute of Carrick’s games in charge, solidifying his place in the starting eleven after solid performances week in week out.
There was almost a complete agreement within the fanbase at the beginning of the season that the club should not extend his contract. With United already having Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and even Luke Shaw, who can all play in that position, it was hard to see when Maguire would play.
After dominating one of the best players in the world in Erling Haaland, then proceeding to earn the Man of the Match award away at the Emirates, Maguire has become un-droppable for Carrick, even keeping the likes of Yoro and Heaven out of the team who are clear bright talents.
Bruce backing Maguire
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Bruce gave a very clear verdict on the situation, showing his clear backing of an extension to the England international’s contract.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets offered a new deal. Why wouldn’t you? I think centre-halves get better with age. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to the World Cup either.
“He’s got good experience, he’s played at the highest level, he’s never let England down either. And he’s given a reminder of just what he’s about over the last five, six weeks in particular, if he ever needed to.
Steve Bruce then discussed the amount of unwarranted abuse that Maguire has had to deal with in recent years.
“I believe Harry has been made the whipping boy for too long. I don’t think he’s ever let Man United down. In that fact, he’s never let England down either. As I said, I think he became a whipping boy for what was going on around him.”
Should United keep Maguire?
Harry Maguire currently earns a hefty £190,000 per week, which does put his future in potentially jeopardy as INEOS have become known for cutting costs.
However, there have been reports recently that the player could be willing to take a pay cut to stay at United which does offer some hope that he will be at the club next season.
Read more: Manchester United ‘leading the way’ for £87m ‘world class’ Harry Maguire replacement
On the other hand, Maguire may need to prepare to play a lot less next season. Despite his brilliant form, the only reason he is a regular starter is due to the absence of de Ligt, who was United’s Player of the Month in November, the same month in which he got injured.
Furthermore, it may be in the club’s best interests to prioritise the growth of young talents, Yoro and Heaven, who could potentially become a partnership for years to come, which would further limit Maguire’s game time.
Another hindrance comes with United now finding success in a back four, meaning there is one less centre-back slot in the line-up, in comparison to the back three that Ruben Amorim favoured.
There are definitive arguments for and against the contract extension. The club may keep him for backup in a time of need, such as this season, or they may part ways; either way, the player has certainly shown that he can be a vital part of the team.
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