Man Utd players worried hierarchy about to make decision they consider ‘madness’

Harry Maguire’s Manchester United teammate feel it would be ‘madness’ to let the centre-back leave the club at the end of the season when his current contract ends.

The 32-year-old is currently set to depart Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer, with his deal expiring at the conclusion of this campaign.

That would bring to an end a seven-year stay at Manchester United for the England defender, having signed from Leicester City for £80m in 2019.

However, there might be a twist in the tale, as Maguire heads into the final few months of his contract with the Red Devils.

The Yorkshireman has stepped into a key role for the first team since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.

Maguire has started all five matches under the temporary boss and played impressively in four wins and a draw last time out at West Ham.

This is partly due to the ongoing injury struggles of Matthijs de Ligt, but Maguire has taken his chance admirably and looked entirely at home in the Manchester United starting XI.

There have been times, under previous managers Amorim and Erik ten Hag, during which Maguire had little future to look forward to with the club.

But the United hierarchy could still decide to offer him a new deal and that is what his teammates would like to see happen.

The Sun report that members of the Red Devils squad would consider it ‘madness’ for United to let Maguire leave on a free transfer.

Not only is he a ‘well-respected’ figure in the dressing room, his experience is proving useful for the development of young centre-backs Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

When they are all fit, Manchester United do have a number of options at centre-back, which could harm Maguire’s chances of a new deal.

De Ligt, Yoro, Heaven and Lisandro Martinez are all first team options in the middle of defence, while Luke Shaw has often played at centre-back when Amorim played a back three.

The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that the odds are looking in Maguire’s favour, though, with the veteran ‘increasingly likely’ to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.

‘He’s certainly one of the best’

There remains a chance that Maguire could force his way back into the England squad in time for this summer’s World Cup.

Carrick was asked about the potential for him to do that, and while he admits he has not been thinking about international selection, he has hailed Maguire’s influence under him.

‘I haven’t give the World Cup so much thought, but we’ve got some really good centre-backs at the club and a couple of young ones on the bench, who have got big, big futures at this club,’ Carrick said after the recent win over Fulham.

‘We felt at the time we came in that experience was important. The other two boys will have a lot of games and performances in their career here, they’ve got really bright futures.

‘Harry’s come in after playing not a lot of football, really, come in and done ever so well.

‘He is what he is, H, he’s such a big presence. Been there, seen it, done it, I think that helps in the group when we’ve got young players who are still learning.

‘So I think he’s had a big influence with that and just that composure to understand the moments and not be fazed. Being a big presence there with him and Licha [Martinez] particularly, have give us the foundation to build on.

‘See what the future holds in terms of World Cup, but when he’s like that, the way he’s played, he’s certainly one of the best, for me.’