(Football news) The 31-year-old has not featured for Manchester United since the start of October due to a muscular problem, and he is still yet to return to training with the club, so he will definitely be absent for their final two games ahead of the November international break against PAOK and Leicester City.

Maguire is expected to be available before the end of the year, but there is currently huge uncertainty surrounding his future, as the defender’s contract is due to expire in June 2025.

Manchester United do have the option to activate a 12-month extension to take him to June 2026, but it is understood that the club are yet to make a final decision over his future.

A number of clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on the England international’s situation, as he would be one of the most in-demand free agents on the market, should that become the case next year.

Maguire ‘has no plans’ to seek Manchester United’s exit

However, according to multiple reports, Maguire has no desire to leave Manchester United in January and will also resist attempts from foreign clubs to discuss a possible pre-contract.

The report claims that the defender is confident that he can win, make an impression on incoming Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim, and prove that he can operate in his system.

Amorim is widely expected to implement a 3-4-3 formation at Old Trafford, which could suit Maguire, with the centre-back arguably better in a back three due to his lack of pace.

Maguire allegedly feels that he can secure a 12-month extension to his current contract, which would potentially lead to a further deal if he cements his spot as a key part of Amorim’s plans moving forward.

Should Manchester United look to keep Maguire?

Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt are all ahead of Maguire in the pecking order when it comes to the spots at the back for Manchester United, but Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are both expected to leave next year.

It is possible that a new centre-back will be signed in 2025, but keeping Maguire, at least until June 2026, makes a lot of sense, as he is capable of being a real force in a back three, having previously demonstrated that with England.

Maguire has resisted a Man United exit over the last couple of years, with the defender determined to prove himself at Old Trafford, and although his time with the club has had some very difficult moments, the change of manager could be a turning point for him.

For now, though, the defender simply has to focus on getting himself fit and ready for action, as he could be given plenty of football during a busy festive period for the club.

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