Harry Maguire Prepared to Take Pay Cut to Remain at Manchester United
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire is reportedly willing to accept a £90,000 reduction in his weekly wage to continue his career at Old Trafford beyond this summer, according to iNews. This comes as his current contract is set to expire in June.
Contract Talks and United’s Intentions
Despite the impending expiration of his contract, reports suggest that both Maguire and the club are keen to negotiate an extension. Discussions are underway to find a mutually agreeable solution that would keep the 33-year-old at Manchester United beyond his initial seven-year tenure.
Maguire’s Resurgence in Form
Maguire has remained a significant figure for United this season, despite facing injury challenges. His form has notably improved since Michael Carrick assumed the role of interim manager, with Maguire starting in every match under Carrick’s leadership thus far. He was awarded Man of the Match for his performance in United’s January victory against Premier League leaders Arsenal, a game where Arsenal suffered their first home defeat of the 2025/2026 season.
Competition for Playing Time
The future role of Maguire within the team remains uncertain, particularly when both Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are fully fit. Martinez is currently sidelined with a calf injury, whereas De Ligt has been out since November. United has not had all three defenders simultaneously available at any point this season.
Player Statistics (2025/2026)
| Player | Appearances | Minutes Played | Injured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maguire | 16 | 1,037 | 10 |
| Martinez | 14 | 905 | 14 |
| De Ligt | 13 | 1,170 | 16 |
*Data as of March 4, 2026 (Transfermarkt)
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the defensive landscape, having an experienced professional like Maguire available will be valuable as Manchester United aims to compete on multiple fronts, including a return to the Champions League in the 2026/2027 season.