Harry Maguire: Manchester United defender on winning trophies, new signings, Michael Carrick and the future with Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro | football news
Maguire is entering his eighth season at Manchester United and has experienced almost every thrill during his time at the club, whether it be the brief highs under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the polarizing period under Erik ten Hag or the ultimately tumultuous era under Ruben Amorim.
However, despite the collective or individual problems over the years, Maguire remains and revels each time in his importance to this team, which perhaps makes the journey even sweeter.
“Playing for this club for once would have been a dream come true when I was a kid, so to be here in my eighth season is something I’m really proud of,” Maguire said.
“It’s not about me, but at this stage of my career I want to be part of a successful team and a team that wins. That must be the goal of all the boys this season: we want to be competitive until the end of the season in all competitions.”
So, with the 2026/27 season just days away, that’s the question: can this Manchester United team compete for the title in a league full of change?
Maguire reflected: “We want to improve on last season. Everyone wants to win the Premier League, of course that will be our goal, that’s what this club demands. We believe we can be really competitive and we can beat anyone on our day. It’s going to be an exciting season.”
“Without a doubt this team is different with Carrick”
After spending a few days with the team in Dublin last week, it is clear that there is camaraderie and closeness.
Perhaps there would be a valid argument that the reset of Manchester United’s dressing room culture can be traced back to Amorim, but even so the team is benefiting from it having had a successful first six-month spell under Michael Carrick.
Maguire has seen different versions of Manchester United over the years and agreed with the idea that this particular team shares a close bond.
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“During my time at the club we have had some close groups – this is certainly one of the closest,” Maguire said. “Spending time together and winning football games brings teams closer together.
“Losing the Europa League final, finishing from 15th to third and returning the club to the Champions League was a good season, but we can’t stop here.”
There is a certain determination and steel with which Maguire speaks. It could be due to maximizing the last few years of his career or it could be because he feels the club is close to achieving more titles.
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However, it seems unlikely that Man Utd will be able to achieve this without further reinforcements in the transfer window. It is clear that they lack little at left back and possibly in midfield, as Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte are injured.
Maguire said: “I’m at an age where they can bring in as many players as they want, bring in the best players… I want to win all the trophies and be greedy about it, but it depends on the club.
“I’m sure they are working hard to try and bring in the right players, the more the merrier. The stronger the team, the more chances we have to win these trophies and that’s what it’s all about when you play for this club.”
I’m at an age where they can bring in as many players as they want, bring in the best players… I want to win all the trophies and be greedy, but it depends on the club.
The future with Heaven and Yoro in the center
Maguire’s role in the team has certainly changed. When he joined the club in 2019 for £80m from Leicester City, it was the second most expensive signing in the history of the English top flight.
Although he remains a key part of Carrick’s defense at 33, his role now also involves looking after defenders waiting to one day take his place.
Ayden sky and leny yoro Both have shown huge potential over the last 18 months and their time will no doubt come, as will the 18-year-old. Dan Armer, who has been dubbed by fans on social media as a ‘mini Maguire’, a reference to which Maguire smiles when I mention it.
Leny Yoro is emerging as one of Manchester United’s best young defenders
He enjoys mentoring them along the way, adding, “I think that’s pretty natural for me, I want them to have amazing careers.
“Hopefully, in five or six years, Leny, Ayden and Dan will be fighting and playing together in this team – that’s all I want. “They have the attributes and qualities to do it.
“They are young, but they are learning the game under the greatest scrutiny and analysis anyone can imagine and they will only get stronger.
“Hopefully one day they will be the two main centre-backs of this club and win the most important trophies. I hope they will be the strongest couple in world football; that is what they should aspire to achieve.”
