Manchester United fans have found a new reason to believe. After a turbulent stretch that saw the club finish a disappointing 15th in the Premier League just last season, the Red Devils are roaring back under the guidance of caretaker manager Michael Carrick. At the heart of this resurgence stands Harry Maguire, whose transformation from a much-maligned figure to a defensive stalwart has mirrored United’s own revival.
Maguire, now 33, has been an ever-present figure since Carrick took the reins in January 2026, following a frustrating 14-month spell under Ruben Amorim. The club’s leadership, seeking a spark, turned to their former midfield maestro, and the results have exceeded all expectations. United have claimed nine wins in 13 matches under Carrick, catapulting themselves to third in the Premier League and putting Champions League qualification firmly within reach.
Reflecting on the dramatic turnaround, Maguire recently told the Times of India, “The results have improved under Michael. Since he came in, he has been excellent with players, communicates really well with all his staff around him. Credit goes to them, and also to the players for adapting and performing so well in the last few months.”
Indeed, the numbers back up Maguire’s optimism. The veteran defender has started 11 of those 13 matches, missing only two due to suspension. In that time, United have looked far more assured at the back, conceding fewer goals and showing a clinical edge up front. Maguire attributes much of this improvement to Carrick’s meticulous focus on both ends of the pitch. “We have defended our box a lot better, a lot more consistent. And the boys going forward, when we have had chances, have been real clinical. It’s something the manager and staff have really worked on with us,” he explained.
This newfound solidity is a far cry from the previous campaign, which Maguire candidly described as “a tough one, no doubt. Everyone was disappointed.” United’s 15th-place finish was a jolt for a club of their stature, but Maguire believes it served as a necessary reset. “We used it as a real reset…There were a few big changes in the squad, players leaving, new faces coming in that brought fresh energy. Not many would have backed us to be where we are now at the start of the season, but we believed. Now it’s about finishing strong and we have to improve again next season.”
One of the highlights of this season came in October, when Maguire scored a dramatic late header to seal a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield—the club’s first win there in nearly a decade. Recalling that moment, Maguire said, “It was an unbelievable feeling for the fans, for me and for my family. To score a winner in a game like that was really special. Liverpool have had the better of us in recent years, so it’s something we’re determined to change and make sure we’re in the driving seat of that rivalry again.”
With another high-stakes clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford looming on May 3, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win could all but guarantee United’s participation in next season’s Champions League and further bolster Carrick’s case for the permanent managerial role. The club’s ownership group, INEOS, is expected to make a decision this summer regarding Carrick’s future, but his impact is already undeniable.
Maguire’s personal fortunes have also soared alongside his on-field revival. Off the pitch, his image rights company, HM 5 Ltd, has amassed reserves of £8.7 million as of June 2025, generating over £4 million in profit for that fiscal year alone. These earnings are in addition to his reported £190,000-a-week salary at Manchester United. The financial success reflects not only Maguire’s renewed popularity but also his resilience in the face of adversity.
His loyalty to the club was cemented in April 2026, when he signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him at Old Trafford until at least the summer of 2027, with an option for an additional season. “Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour,” Maguire declared. “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.”
While Maguire remains a central figure, he’s quick to praise the new generation emerging at United. Asked about young talent Ayden Heaven, Maguire noted, “He’s been really good. He’s still young and talented and has a lot to learn. He is an amazing player and can have a really strong future at this club.” The blend of experienced heads and fresh legs has given the squad a new sense of energy and belief, a point Maguire has stressed repeatedly in interviews.
Carrick’s approach has been lauded for its clarity and communication. According to Maguire, “Since he came in, he has been excellent with players, communicates really well with all his staff around him.” This has translated to a more cohesive and confident side, with players buying into the manager’s vision and adapting quickly to new demands. The improvement in both defensive organization and attacking efficiency has been evident, with United now boasting one of the league’s best records in both departments since January.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Early in the season, United struggled to turn promising performances into points, a hangover from the previous campaign’s woes. “It was a difficult start but I felt we were playing better than the results showed. There were games we should have won, but we could not,” Maguire admitted. Yet, the squad’s perseverance and willingness to embrace change have paid dividends, setting the stage for a potentially triumphant conclusion to the season.
As the Red Devils prepare for their crucial showdown with Liverpool, the mood around Old Trafford is one of cautious optimism. The stakes are clear: secure Champions League football and lay the groundwork for a sustained return to the top of English and European football. For Maguire, Carrick, and the entire Manchester United faithful, the journey is far from over—but the direction is unmistakably upward.