Harry Maguire could be approaching another significant contract development at Manchester United, despite growing calls for a major defensive rebuild at Old Trafford.

The Englishman arrived from Leicester City in 2019 for £80 million, becoming the world’s most expensive defender at the time.

That enormous fee brought relentless scrutiny, with Maguire regularly subjected to criticism and abuse whenever United struggled defensively.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointed him captain in January 2020, although Erik ten Hag controversially stripped him of the armband three years later.

Across seven years, Maguire has experienced permanent managerial reigns under Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick, alongside other interim appointments.

Yet his resilience has been remarkable.

Despite losing his starting position and facing repeated questions about his future, Maguire fought his way back into contention, becoming an increasingly valuable leader for United’s younger defenders.

He has also collected the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time at Old Trafford.

In April, United rewarded his resurgence with a new one-year contract, keeping him at the club until summer 2027.

However, another extension would raise questions about INEOS’ long-term recruitment strategy.

At 33, Maguire represents experience rather than the younger defensive profile many supporters believe United desperately need.

With United failing to keep a Premier League clean sheet this season, the need for reinforcements has become increasingly obvious.

Now, fresh reporting suggests the club have made another decision regarding Maguire’s future.

Harry Maguire set to extend his stay at Manchester United

According to The i Paper, Manchester United are preparing to activate the additional one-year option in Maguire’s existing contract.

The move would potentially keep the defender at Old Trafford until summer 2028, rather than representing an entirely new agreement.

Club officials reportedly value Maguire’s leadership and influence on emerging defenders Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

Meanwhile, United’s defensive problems have intensified following Lisandro Martinez’s public criticism of the club’s hierarchy.

The report also claims United are targeting Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert, alongside at least one central defender.

Keeping Maguire would therefore provide continuity while INEOS attempt to reshape a defence that has struggled throughout the campaign.