Harry Maguire has revealed that talks are underway to extend his stay at Manchester United, with the England international feeling confident about securing a new deal.

The 31-year-old centre-back is in the final months of the six-year contract he signed in 2019 when he joined United from Leicester City for a record £80 million fee. The club has an option to extend that deal by a further year, but negotiations are now focused on a longer-term commitment that could see Maguire remain at Old Trafford beyond 2026.

“All the signs are positive at the moment, and the chat that I’m having is really positive,” Maguire shared during a recent interview. “I’ve still got this year to go with an option in their hands.”

A Comeback Story: From Captaincy Loss to Defensive Rock

This news marks a significant turnaround in Maguire’s fortunes at United. After being stripped of the captaincy by former manager Erik ten Hag and falling down the defensive pecking order, Maguire’s future at Old Trafford looked uncertain.

A move to West Ham was reportedly on the table in 2023, but Maguire chose to stay and fight for his place. His resilience paid off, as he made 31 appearances last season and has since regained trust within the squad.

His performance in United’s recent Manchester derby win drew widespread praise, particularly from new head coach Rúben Amorim, who lauded Maguire’s ability to neutralize Erling Haaland. “He was perfect in the middle,” Amorim stated.

Adapting to Amorim’s System

Maguire’s experience playing in a back three for Gareth Southgate’s England side has been instrumental in helping him adapt to Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system.

“I’ve played in it numerous times in my career, generally on the left but obviously playing in the middle at the moment,” Maguire explained. “It feels good; we feel solid. There’s still much more improvement we need to do.”

The shift in formation has allowed Maguire to play to his strengths, providing leadership and defensive solidity while continuing to build chemistry with his teammates.

The Bigger Picture: United’s Defensive Future

United face key decisions regarding their centre-back options, with Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans both out of contract in 2025. Losing all three defenders in quick succession would be a significant blow, especially with Amorim’s system demanding multiple centre-backs to maintain depth and competition.

Given this context, securing Maguire on a new deal could provide much-needed stability and experience in the heart of United’s defense.

What’s Next?

While nothing is finalized yet, Maguire’s optimism suggests that an agreement may be on the horizon. If a new long-term deal is signed, it would be a testament to his determination to succeed at the club and his ability to adapt and thrive under new systems and leadership.

For United, retaining Maguire not only strengthens their defensive core but also ensures they have a proven leader to guide the squad as they continue to develop under Amorim’s vision.

As contract talks progress, Maguire’s resurgence serves as a reminder of the value of resilience and hard work, qualities that have become emblematic of his journey at Old Trafford.

Stay tuned for updates as Manchester United look to secure their defensive future with Maguire at the heart of their plans.