Michael Carrick has drawn attention to the “awful lot of experience” Harry Maguire possesses, as questions remain over the defender’s future at Manchester United.
Maguire’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, leaving his long-term position with the club in doubt.
The 32-year-old former club captain had his contract extended last January after becoming a key figure under then-head coach Ruben Amorim.
Since that extension, Maguire has maintained a significant presence in the squad, this time under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick weighs in on Harry Maguire’s contract situation and what’s next for the defender at Manchester United
Since taking over, Michael Carrick has named Maguire in the starting XI for all six of his Premier League matches, with the centre-back playing 90 minutes in five of them.
The England international has been Carrick’s preferred choice alongside Lisandro Martinez, who is currently out with an injury.
When asked about Maguire’s future during his pre-match press conference, Carrick said: “Within the squad there is that balance, you want that younger potential and excitement and helping develop players.
“You need the sweet spot in the middle with players at the peak and experience is massive. It’s hard to put a price on how valuable that can be.”
Michael Carrick reflects on Harry Maguire’s form and experience in his thirties
Maguire joined Manchester United in 2019, signing from Leicester City for a reported £80m under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s management.
The defender has seen a turnaround in form at Old Trafford over the past few seasons, and Carrick drew parallels between Maguire’s current stage and his own playing days.
“There is a case, as your career goes, when you’re a young player and everything is fresh and new you’re fearless and there’s [sic] not many scars there,” Maguire said.
“You get to your peak years and you feel good and everything is there, but you’ve had a few ups and downs.
“You get towards the later times and the experience should make you a better player. We’ve seen that with Harry’s performances of late.
“That’s why experience is important, I felt it when I was playing, 31 or 32 were my best years of being and that sweet spot to do it physically still, but use the experiences to know what is coming.”
Maguire, who had the captaincy taken away by Erik ten Hag in 2023, has since gone on to win both the FA Cup and League Cup with United.
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