Harry Maguire has declared himself among the finest defenders on the planet after signing a new one-year contract extension at Manchester United.
The 33-year-old put pen to paper on a deal keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2027, with the option of a further 12 months.
And speaking from United’s training camp in Dublin, Maguire left little doubt about how he sees himself heading into what could be a defining summer for England at the World Cup.
“Of course, I’m desperate to go,” Maguire told BBC Sport, discussing his hopes of making England’s squad. “I think it would be my last World Cup for my country. I’ve been to two, I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, which just hurt a lot really.
“So I’m desperate to go, whatever role the manager would want me for, whether that’s starting or whether it’s deciding games late on. I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes. I don’t think that’s in question really. That can be really effective later on in games, whether you’re holding on to a lead or trying to chase a game.
Few would have predicted this moment a year ago. Maguire spent the first half of the season largely frozen out under Ruben Amorim, his future at United looking increasingly uncertain. When Michael Carrick came in as interim head coach, everything changed.
Maguire has started every game under the former United midfielder, playing a central role in the club’s climb to third in the Premier League table.
“I still think there’s an important part that I can play, that I can help. If that’s the case, I’m sure the manager will pick me if he believes the same. We’ll see.”
Maguire still a hero at Old Trafford
The numbers back up his confidence. No Premier League player has a higher aerial win rate than Maguire’s 78% this season, according to Opta.
Even Amorim, during his time in charge, singled him out as one of very few players capable of threatening from set pieces with his head.
The new deal, understood to include a reduced basic salary from his previous £190,000-a-week terms but with performance-related clauses tied to Champions League qualification, reflects a player who has earned his extension rather than been handed it.
Director of football Jason Wilcox said: “Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United.
“He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad. Harry, like everyone at the club, is completely determined to help Manchester United to achieve regular and sustained success.”
All eyes on the World Cup
Beyond the club deal, Maguire has his sights firmly set on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the summer tournament in North America.
He earned his first England recall in 18 months in March, playing 90 minutes against Uruguay before coming on late in the 1-0 loss to Japan. It was a significant moment for a player whose international career had gone quiet.
“I do believe in my career, if you look through my career in the finals that I’ve played and the big games that I’ve been to, the bigger the games are, it seems like the better I do,” he said.
The competition for centre-back places is fierce. Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah all offer options to Tuchel. But Maguire’s form, experience and aerial dominance give him a genuine case.
On the contract itself, he spoke in a club interview about what United means to him. “Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day.
“I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.
“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us.”
A Champions League return?
He was equally bullish about what next season could bring: “I feel like we’re in a good place at the moment. I believe we’re in a forward curve with the club, and I want to be part of that. I feel like next season could be a special year, if we carry on working hard, if we recruit well in the summer. It’s a big summer ahead.”
Maguire also offered a telling insight into what keeps him going when the criticism mounts. “I have great self-belief, more importantly, that I’m a top player. That’s what helps me when things are tough.”
Maguire joined United from Leicester for £80m in August 2019, a world record fee for a defender that still stands.
He has made 266 appearances in all competitions, winning the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup the following year. He will miss United’s next Premier League fixture against Leeds after picking up a red card in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth before the international break.
