Ex-Manchester United star Paul Parker has urged the club to rethink offering Harry Maguire a new contract.
Reports in recent months have suggested that the Red Devils are willing to extend Maguire’s tenure beyond seven years, as long as he accepts a reduction on his current £190,000-a-week wages.
Harry Maguire: The state of play
It’s unconfirmed whether an official proposal has been tabled by United or if things are just at early talking stages, given we’re only a few months into the campaign and he hasn’t had much chance to feature amid persistent injury problems.
Yet, it’s that same reason that might already be making INEOS think twice about keeping hold of the centre-half.
So far this term, Maguire, whose contract expires in June 2026, has already missed five matches through fitness issues and has been utilised only four times from the off in the Premier League, showing that, even when he is available, he still isn’t a first-choice at the back in Ruben Amorim’s setup.
The 32-year-old has been out of action since before the November international break, when he featured for 72 minutes in United’s 2-2 away draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
With Matthijs de Ligt also sidelined for the last two outings, the pair’s absences resulted in Amorim calling upon youngster Ayden Heaven to play against West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
What Parker had to say about Maguire’s future
When speaking on the England international’s situation with UtdDistrict, Parker said: “It makes no sense to offer him a deal, because at the end of the day, who’s offering the deal? Is it the manager, or is it because there’s someone who feels a bit sentimental?
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“Sentiment will cost you, and it’s costing Manchester United now with Luke Shaw and things, but you have to move on. But you look at it, and common sense says no, the team’s got to go forward.
“When you look at young Heaven, you’d look at you’ve got [Lisandro] Martinez back now as well, then you’ve got De Ligt, then you’ve got [Leny] Yoro, [and] you’ve still got Luke Shaw still under contract and [he] can do a job.
“No, Harry Maguire, they shouldn’t do it. Let him go off and get regular football somewhere else. If they want to go forward, they need to go forward; they can only go forward in those areas without him.”
Manchester United should refrain from offering Harry Maguire once his contract expires and move on.
Like Senne Lammens who has proved to be a lucky purchase as he has settled in well, despite not tested at the highest level, the INEOS hierarchy should try to unearth more up-and- coming gems which will augur well for the future.
Knee-jerk recruitment must become a thing of the past; and younger players should be scouted and recruited.
Another calamitous mistake the club has made in the past are “star” recruits of overaged players whose best years are behind them.
By recruiting younger talent and also including more Academy players, the club can save millions both in transfer fees and wages.
The Academy will continue to grow and become a continuous feeder source for the first team.
I totally believe with you. This is the time we have; new coach forming a new system, scrutinising the flaws and fixing them. Looking at teachable players with fresh minds irrespective of the risks it comes with is the best thing to do now. Amorim u have the leverage to risk now than later, go through trenches now as u categorically have done so that tomorrow u and all of us shall enjoy. Glory Glory UNITED.
To my mind, they should let Maguire go. If they can shift him on in the up-coming window, at least they might recoup some of the massive they paid for him. That said, no-one wants to buy an injured player.
I watched the game on Monday, and I thought that Heaven played really well. Shaw did a good job on the left side, but licha is my preference. I understand his minutes need managing as he’s come back from a serious injury. If the manager insists on keeping a back 3, id suggest Heaven, Delicht and Martinez.