Harry Maguire Moves Closer to Signing New Manchester United Contract at Old Trafford as European and Saudi Interest Grows

If you’d said a year ago that Harry Maguire would be edging toward a new Manchester United contract, plenty would have raised an eyebrow.

Yet here we are. The England defender, whose £180,000-a-week deal expires at the end of June, is increasingly likely to extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond this summer.

Maguire has been free to speak to overseas clubs since January, and there has been genuine interest.

AC Milan made contact. Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, now managed by his former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, also explored the situation.

But as he approaches his 33rd birthday next month, Maguire’s preference has always been clear.

If possible, he wants to stay at United.

From Captaincy Blow to Dressing Room Leader

It’s been a rollercoaster few years.

Maguire lost the captaincy under Erik ten Hag and at times found himself on the periphery.

There were transfer rumours, public scrutiny, and no shortage of criticism.

Fast forward to now and the mood has shifted.

Under new head coach Michael Carrick, Maguire has re-established himself as a central figure.

Carrick restored him to the starting XI almost immediately and has leaned on his experience during a run of four straight wins before the upcoming clash with West Ham at the London Stadium.

He’s also part of a six-man leadership group introduced under Ruben Amorim and is said to be highly valued behind the scenes.

The expectation is that United will table an offer soon, with discussions centred on salary and contract length.

The situation is very different to Casemiro, who has confirmed he will leave when his deal expires.

Fury as Away Fans Slip into Home Sections

While the team rebuilds on the pitch, off-field frustrations are bubbling.

Serious questions are being asked after more away supporters were spotted sitting in home areas at Old Trafford.

Photos circulated showing Tottenham fans in club colours seated among United supporters during Saturday’s 2-0 win.

Similar incidents reportedly occurred earlier in the season against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

United have previously admitted they cannot “completely eliminate” the risk, despite strict measures.

The club insists it does not sell to away fans in hospitality or general admission and that anyone identified is immediately ejected.

Still, for season-ticket holders paying premium prices, the optics are troubling.

A European Summer Instead of a World Tour

Pre-season plans are taking shape — and this year it looks like Europe will be the base.

After regular summer trips to the United States, Asia and Australia, the club are leaning toward a shorter, more focused European schedule.

The condensed calendar following the World Cup and concerns about football oversaturation in the US have influenced the thinking.

Talks are ongoing about a friendly with Wrexham in Finland, and United traditionally stage at least one fixture in Scandinavia.

Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin have all hosted in recent years.

A Middle East training camp had been discussed, with conversations involving Saudi officials and contacts in Kuwait, but nothing concrete has materialised.

Clearing Up the Yoro Confusion

Speculation briefly swirled that 20-year-old defender Leny Yoro had flown to France early and would miss the West Ham game after social media images appeared to show him at Manchester Airport.

However, that theory quickly unraveled.

Yoro travelled with the squad and is part of Carrick’s plans.

A reminder, perhaps, of how quickly rumours can spread in the social media age.

Teenage Talent on the Radar

United scouts continue to track emerging talent across Europe.

Tromso’s 19-year-old defender Sedi Kinteh has caught attention with his pace and versatility on the left side of defence.

Chelsea and several European clubs are also monitoring him.

Valencia’s Hugo Fernandez, an 18-year-old centre back with a reported £4.35m release clause rising later in the summer, is another name noted internally.

That said, neither is believed to be a priority target at this stage.

Carrick Fulfils TV Duties

Michael Carrick made headlines for another reason on Saturday, becoming the first United boss to give a live half-time interview during a Premier League match at Old Trafford.

Under the league’s £6.7bn TV deal, clubs must offer behind-the-scenes access twice per season.

With dressing room footage already granted after the Anfield win in October, Carrick’s chat with TNT Sports ticked the final box for this campaign.

Stars, Smiles and School Visits

Old Trafford was packed with familiar faces against Spurs.

Gary Oldman sat near Michael McIntyre.

Luke Littler paraded his World Darts Championship trophy.

Formula One driver Isack Hadjar chatted with Bryan Mbeumo and Carrick post-match.

Mbeumo, meanwhile, made headlines quietly.

He invited students from his old school in France to tour Old Trafford and visit Carrington before the West Ham trip.

It’s the kind of gesture that resonates — especially when performances on the pitch are matching the goodwill off it.

Goalkeeping Questions and Lingard’s Next Step

Goalkeeper Elyh Harrison’s future is under review after his loan at Shrewsbury was cut short.

With Tom Heaton out of contract this summer and uncertainty around Altay Bayindir, changes in the goalkeeping department seem likely.

Radek Vitek is impressing on loan at Bristol City and could re-enter the conversation.

Elsewhere, former United midfielder Jesse Lingard is weighing his next move after leaving FC Seoul.

Talks with Feyenoord have taken place, and there is interest from Brazil and England. A decision could come soon.

What’s Next

The immediate focus is West Ham away, followed by a short break with no FA Cup involvement this weekend.

Behind the scenes, negotiations with Maguire are expected to accelerate.

Pre-season logistics will also firm up in the coming weeks.

Further clarity is anticipated regarding the goalkeeping reshuffle and Lingard’s destination.

As for Carrick, his early momentum has shifted the mood around the club — but consistency will determine whether this resurgence holds.

Summary

Harry Maguire is increasingly likely to sign a new Manchester United contract despite interest from AC Milan and Saudi Arabia, marking a remarkable turnaround in his Old Trafford career.

Under Michael Carrick, he has regained importance within the squad as United continue their revival.

Off the pitch, concerns over away fans in home sections persist, while pre-season plans appear set to focus on Europe rather than long-haul tours.

Young prospects are being monitored, the goalkeeping department faces potential change, and Jesse Lingard is close to deciding his next move.

For United, it’s a period of quiet but significant transition — and the next few months could shape both the squad and the direction of the club heading into the new season.