Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson believes Harry Maguire still has a role to play in Michael Carrick's squad over the next few years. However, he anticipates that Luke Shaw will be leaving the club soon.
As Maguire embarks on his eighth season at United, Simpson does not foresee this year being the last for the central defender at Old Trafford:
I don’t think this will be his final season at United. I wouldn’t be surprised if he became our first-choice centre-back again.
Maguire has never relied on exceptional pace. He knows how to defend in his own box, is competent with the ball at his feet, and poses a threat in front of goal — those attributes won’t vanish overnight.
He’s a leader, was captain, and even if the armband doesn’t belong to him now, he remains one of the pivotal figures in the dressing room. I believe Luke Shaw will leave, but we should keep Harry for the experience he brings to the team.
It seems feasible to extend his contract for another year. His role may diminish over time, but at 33 or 34, he should be able to accept that. He loves the club and could even stay on as a coach after he retires.
Last season, Maguire featured in 23 matches across all competitions, starting 19 of them, scoring once and providing two assists.
Meanwhile, Shaw continues to be a part of Carrick's setup. There has been little speculation about his potential departure this summer, making Simpson's comments more of a personal forecast than an indication of imminent transfer news.
