Harry Maguire: Statistical Deep Dive into a Resurgent 2025/26 Season

MANCHESTER, 25 January 2026 – Amid swirling transfer speculation and a fiercely competitive battle for places in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, the spotlight on Harry Maguire has rarely been brighter. For the Manchester United and England centre-back, the 2025/26 campaign has been a story of resilience, resurgence, and a renewed battle for relevance at both club and international level.

Now 32 years old and entering the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford, Maguire’s performances under manager Ruben Amorim have become a focal point for debate. Once maligned and stripped of the captain’s armband, the Sheffield-born defender has re-established himself as a key component in Amorim’s preferred back-three system, starting 20 of United’s 23 Premier League matches to date.

From Outcast to Integral Figure

Maguire’s journey from outcast to integral figure is a classic tale of footballing redemption. Having lost his place under Erik ten Hag and been heavily linked with a move away from the club in the summer of 2023, the defender chose to stay and fight for his place. His decision was vindicated when Amorim replaced Ten Hag in July 2024 and immediately installed Maguire as a regular starter in his 3-4-3 formation.

The 2025/26 season has seen Maguire’s role evolve further. With Lisandro Martínez suffering a recurrence of a long-term foot injury in October 2025, Maguire has formed a formidable partnership with Raphaël Varane at the heart of United’s defence, playing every minute of the club’s last 10 matches across all competitions.

Key Facts & Figures: 2025/26 Season to Date

Defensive Metrics: A Return to Dominance

The most telling aspect of Maguire’s renaissance has been his return to the kind of dominant, proactive defensive displays that defined his early years at Old Trafford and made him a mainstay for England. His statistics in key defensive areas paint the picture of a player back to his best.

Maguire’s aerial dominance has been particularly noteworthy, with his 77.3% success rate in aerial battles ranking him 19th among Premier League defenders this season. This has been a cornerstone of Amorim’s system, which relies on his centre-backs to command their penalty area.

Equally important has been his proactive approach out of possession. Maguire is averaging 1.3 clearances per 90 minutes, a figure that places him among the division’s most active defenders in terms of clearing their lines. His reading of the game has also improved, as evidenced by his 8.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, a metric that highlights his ability to step in and break up opposition attacks.

Leadership and Mentality

Beyond the numbers, Maguire’s leadership and mentality have been widely praised. Having been stripped of the United captaincy by Ten Hag in July 2023, the defender has responded in the best possible way, knuckling down and forcing his way back into the team under Amorim.

His performances have been characterised by a renewed sense of confidence and composure on the ball, with his passing accuracy standing at an impressive 83% for the season. This has been a key component in United’s build-up play, with Maguire often acting as the starting point for attacks from deep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harry Maguire’s contract situation at Manchester United?

Maguire’s current deal at Old Trafford is set to expire on 30 June 2026. The club holds a unilateral option to extend the contract by a further 12 months, which is widely expected to be triggered given his importance to Amorim’s system.

How has Maguire’s form been for England?

The defender’s form for United has been so impressive that it has sparked a major debate about his potential recall to the England squad. New Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel omitted Maguire from his first squad in March 2025, citing tactical reasons rather than fitness concerns, but left the door open for a future return.

What are Maguire’s main strengths as a defender?

Maguire’s primary strengths are his aerial dominance, physical strength, and composure in possession. He is a commanding presence in both penalty areas and is comfortable bringing the ball out from the back, often initiating attacks with his passing range.

What are the main criticisms of Maguire’s game?

The main criticisms of Maguire’s game have centred on his lack of pace and occasional lapses in concentration. His lack of recovery speed has sometimes been exposed by quicker forwards, while his tendency to dive into tackles has led to costly mistakes in the past.