Manchester United Legend Steve Bruce Urges Club to Extend Harry Maguire's Contract
Manchester United legend Steve Bruce has publicly called for the club to offer Harry Maguire a new contract as the defender's current deal expires in June 2026. Maguire, aged 32, is set to become a free agent if no extension is agreed, putting his future at Old Trafford in serious doubt despite his recent resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Contract Dilemma Looms Large for Experienced Defender
Harry Maguire has been a mainstay in Manchester United's defence since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager, starting all six matches and helping the team keep three clean sheets. However, with his £190,000 per week contract set to expire in just a few months, the club faces a critical decision about whether to retain the experienced centre-back.
Speaking exclusively to the Mail, Steve Bruce expressed strong support for Maguire, stating he sees no logical reason why the defender should not be offered a new deal. "I wouldn't be surprised if he gets offered a new contract," said the former United captain. "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."
Bruce Defends Maguire Against Criticism
The three-time Premier League winner went further in his defence of Maguire, arguing that the England international has been unfairly made a scapegoat during his time at Manchester United. "I believe Harry has been made the whipping boy for too long," Bruce asserted. "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."
Bruce highlighted Maguire's recent performances as particularly impressive, noting: "He's given a reminder of just what he's about over the last five, six weeks in particular, if he ever needed to. He's got good experience, he's played at the highest level, he's never let England down either."
Managerial Uncertainty Complicates Decision
The contract decision could be heavily influenced by who Manchester United appoint as their next permanent manager. While Maguire has clearly flourished under Carrick's management, a different coach with alternative tactical preferences—such as employing a high defensive line—might prefer centre-backs with greater pace than Maguire, whose strengths lie more in positional awareness and aerial dominance.
For now, Michael Carrick appears to be the favourite to secure the permanent managerial position. Bruce praised Carrick's understanding of the club, saying: "Look, he's put himself in pole position, even after six weeks. He's been quite refreshing in his way and the one thing I've said about him, he understands Man United. I don't mean that disrespectfully at all to anybody coming in, but you don't realise how big a club it is and how the scrutiny on you is like no other."
Bruce added: "As soon as you walk in there, you're in the spotlight; everything is analysed and he understands the club that way after playing for it for 13 years, this cool, calm demeanour that he's got."
Experience Factor Could Prove Crucial
With Casemiro confirmed to be leaving Manchester United this summer, the club may be particularly reluctant to lose additional experienced players from their squad. Maguire was initially due to be out of contract last season before United triggered a one-year extension clause, indicating the club has previously valued his continued presence.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Manchester United's hierarchy weighs the benefits of retaining an experienced, proven defender against potential tactical considerations under a new permanent manager. Steve Bruce's public intervention adds significant weight to the argument for keeping Maguire at Old Trafford beyond the current season.
