‘Stay on to coach’ - Harry Maguire future prediction at Man Utd with 2026-27 campaign not expected to be former captain’s last at Old Trafford

Maguire joined United from Leicester in 2019, becoming the most expensive defender in world football as a £80 million ($109m) transfer was completed. It did not take long for the no-nonsense Yorkshireman to earn club captain status at Old Trafford.

Those responsibilities were eventually taken off him after enduring a dip in form and an unfortunate tumble down the pecking order, with Bruno Fernandes inheriting the armband. A move elsewhere was speculated on around that time.

No sale was sanctioned and Maguire was able to force his way back into favour under Ruben Amorim - in a much-maligned three-man defensive unit - before retaining his place when Michael Carrick inherited managerial reins.

He was snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for World Cup duty with England in 2026, despite having never previously let his country down in major tournament action, but fresh terms were agreed in Manchester before hitting free agency.

Many have suggested that Maguire may be embarking on a farewell tour, as he takes in a final campaign with the Red Devils, but Simpson is of the opinion that a man with over 270 appearances for United to his name still has plenty to offer - and may retain ties with the club once playing days are over.

Ex-United defender Simpson - speaking in association with LiveFootballTickets - told GOAL when asked if Maguire is taking in a long goodbye: “I don’t think it will be his last season at United. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s our main centre-back again this season. He has never relied on blistering pace, he knows how to defend his box, he’s good on the ball, he’s good in the attacking box, and that’s not going to change overnight.

“He’s a leader, he’s been captain, and even if he isn’t now, he is still a captain around the place. I think Luke Shaw will go, but I think you need to keep Harry for the experience he brings. I think he's one where you keep giving him another year and eventually, he may become that bit-part player, but he would take that at 33, 34 years of age. He loves the club and may even stay on to coach when he calls time on his career.”

Maguire said when extending his contract at Old Trafford: “Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day.

“I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together. You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us.”

Director of football, Jason Wilcox, added: “Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United. He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad. Harry, like everyone at the club, is completely determined to help Manchester United to achieve regular and sustained success.”

Maguire’s 2026-27 campaign did not get off to the best of starts when playing the full 90 minutes of United’s shock 2-0 defeat at newly-promoted Hull City on the opening weekend. As the Tigers fired themselves in front, Maguire was spotted grabbing - and inadvertently marking - team-mate Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils were being tipped by some to mount a Premier League title challenge this season. They will hope to take positive steps towards justifying that faith when facing more top-flight newcomers in the form of Ipswich on Sunday - with that fixture taking place at Old Trafford.