In his first significant move since returning to Old Trafford, interim manager Michael Carrick has decisively blocked any January departure for defender Harry Maguire. The experienced centre-back, who joined the club for £80 million seven years ago, will now see out the final months of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2026.
Carrick's Firm Stance on Maguire's Future
Despite receiving multiple offers for the 32-year-old England international during the current January transfer window, Manchester United's new temporary boss has refused to sanction a sale. Carrick, who took charge on Tuesday following Ruben Amorim's sacking, is adamant that Maguire remains part of his plans for the remainder of the campaign.
This decision comes amid reported interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan, as well as several unnamed Premier League clubs who were monitoring the defender's situation. Maguire had been hopeful of securing a new deal at United, but it now appears increasingly likely he will end his seven-year stint at the club when his contract concludes.
Maguire's Role in Carrick's New Era
Maguire recently made his return to action as a late substitute in last weekend's FA Cup defeat to Brighton, having been sidelined since early November with a hamstring injury. Carrick is expected to reintegrate the experienced defender into his starting line-up at the earliest opportunity.
This move is partly influenced by Carrick's anticipated tactical shift. The interim manager is likely to discard the 3-4-3 formation that failed under Amorim's disastrous 14-month reign, a change that will increase the need for reliable central defenders like Maguire.
Carrick's Belief in United's 'Magic'
Meanwhile, Carrick has passionately dismissed suggestions that he has returned to a 'soulless' club stagnating in the mud. The former United captain, who spent 15 years at the club as a player and coach, insists the magic of Old Trafford remains intact.
"I certainly don't think it's soulless," Carrick stated. "I think there's a magic around this place. I feel it. I feel at home straightaway, coming into the building... part of my responsibility is shaping what we want to look like going forward as a group."
Carrick's return follows a brief caretaker spell by Darren Fletcher after Amorim's departure. The new boss, who had an undefeated three-match stint as interim manager in December 2021, now faces the task of stabilising the club and rebuilding its culture on and off the pitch until the season's end.
For now, Harry Maguire's immediate future is settled. He will stay at Carrington, with his long-term prospects becoming clearer as the summer approaches. All eyes will be on whether Carrick's faith in the defender translates into improved performances during the run-in.
