From ridicule to respected - Why Harry Maguire is so important to Man United's success

Harry Maguire’s name has firmly been in the headlines across the last week, but that’s nothing new. Few English players have been more widely discussed than Maguire since he became the most expensive defender in history when he joined Manchester United for €80 million in 2019. That price tag naturally brought attention and that only skyrocketed when Maguire was appointed United captain just six months later by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Maguire was lauded with plaudits during his progression at Leicester City and emergence as a key cornerstone of England’s team. But that narrative quickly shifted after some high-profile errors after moving to Old Trafford and the ridicule accelerated beyond the pale. Few footballers face more scrutiny than the Man United captain but some of the criticism was unacceptable, despite his on-field struggles. To his immense credit, Maguire has revived his career and changed perceptions with the 33-year-old to be rewarded with a new contract amid his return to the England set-up. The towering figure has reminded people why he remains a top-level centre-back and we’ve analysed why he’s still so important to Man United.

Harry Maguire’s Man United resurgence

Maguire has been instrumental to Man United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick, which appears destined to secure Champions League qualification, and the Englishman is on the verge of penning a contract extension. Addressing his future this week, Maguire said: “I think we’ll come to an agreement that works best for both the club and myself. It should get sorted sooner rather than later whether that means I stay or move on.I love this club, but it has to be the right decision for me as well as for them. I don’t want to stay out of sentiment. I want to be here because I’m wanted and because I can help push the club forward.”

Maguire’s deal expires this summer but United will tie him down until 2027, with an option for a further year and it makes complete sense. As the graphic above illustrates, United have achieved significantly better results when Maguire starts in the Premier League this season. He has started 14 of 31 league games and United have collected 2.1 points per game (ppg) compared to just 1.3 ppg when he doesn’t - a drop off of 0.8ppg. United also concede fewer goals per game when Maguire starts and he’s started every game under Carrick with the Red Devils the form Premier League in 2026 with 24 points from ten games.