Manchester United Dressing Room Demands New Harry Maguire Contract
Manchester United have not yet secured a new contract for Harry Maguire, but the England defender's teammates at Old Trafford are reportedly advocating strongly for the club to offer him fresh terms. According to sources, the majority of the squad views any failure to negotiate a deal as sheer 'madness'.
Maguire's Renaissance and Dressing Room Support
The 32-year-old centre-back has experienced a significant resurgence in form since losing the club captaincy under former manager Erik ten Hag. This revival has garnered increasing support from the fanbase regarding a potential new contract, especially with Maguire's current agreement set to expire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Maguire, who joined United in a landmark £80 million transfer from Leicester City in 2019, has continued to demonstrate leadership qualities even without the armband. His influence has been evident both before and during Michael Carrick's impressive interim tenure as manager.
A source close to the situation told The Sun: "The players think it would be madness if he was not offered a new deal. Harry has endured plenty of ups and downs at United but has come through all that and is playing really well. He's very well-respected in the dressing room and is passing on a lot of knowledge to some of the younger players like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro. Everyone likes him and respects him and the majority of the players want the club to give him a deal."
Contract Negotiations and Financial Considerations
The report indicates that if Manchester United do proceed with offering Maguire a new contract, they are likely to propose terms that differ from his current £190,000-a-week package. The club is expected to push for a reduced base wage supplemented by more performance-related bonuses, reflecting a shift toward incentive-based compensation structures.
In terms of negotiation leverage, Maguire potentially holds significant cards. Having entered the final six months of his contract, he is now free to discuss a free transfer with overseas clubs. This development has been well-documented, with reports suggesting interest from various international suitors.
International Interest and Future Prospects
It was previously claimed that AC Milan expressed interest in the former Hull City defender during the January transfer window. Additional reports have indicated that Maguire's agent has engaged in discussions with clubs from Turkey, highlighting the defender's appeal in foreign markets.
This situation places Manchester United in a delicate position as they balance financial prudence with maintaining squad harmony and retaining a player who has regained form and respect within the dressing room. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the club heeds the players' calls or allows Maguire to explore opportunities elsewhere.
