It has been clear for months now that it suited both Harry Maguire and Manchester United for their partnership to be extended beyond the end of the season, when his contract was due to expire.
Maguire and his family are settled in the north-west, United valued the 33-year-old’s experience, a factor that has taken on more importance this summer given the impending exit of Casemiro.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was determined to sign Maguire from Leicester in 2019, which is why United ended up paying £80m for him. It was not long before he was installed as captain.
Erik ten Hag had a different view of Maguire’s qualities, took the armband away and was willing to let him join West Ham in the summer of 2023.
Even though United accepted a £30m offer from the Hammers, Maguire said no. He has played 91 times for the club since, under four different managers, which underlines how highly rated he is.
With Maguire, critics tend to focus on the aspects of his game he is not so good at. His managers – generally – look at what he can do: Calm under pressure, strong in the tackle, good passing range, positional awareness, superb mentally, a leader in the dressing room.
Maguire may not be at quite the same levels as when he arrived at Old Trafford, but most United fans will delight in the news he is staying around for a bit longer at least.
