The Survivors: Six Centre-Backs Maguire Has Seen Off During His Old Trafford Odyssey

It's the sort of narrative that seemed utterly implausible five years ago, yet here we are: Harry Maguire has penned fresh terms that will keep him at Manchester United for at least another campaign, taking his spell at the club into an eighth year.

The journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. When United broke the bank for a world-record defensive fee in 2019, Maguire looked destined for greatness. He settled quickly, inherited the armband, and appeared to be the cornerstone upon which the club's revival would be built. Then came the stumbles. The captaincy was surrendered in 2023, the same year a departure to West Ham seemed imminent – only for that move to collapse. Eighteen months later, redemption arrived in the form of a fresh deal, and now another contract has materialised following an impressive return to form this season.

With England opportunities having dried up entirely last year, Maguire now harbours genuine World Cup aspirations for the summer. Regardless of whether that materialises, another twelve months in a United shirt awaits – a fitting reward for his resilience in the face of relentless scrutiny and noise.

What's truly staggering, however, is the parade of centre-backs who have exited Old Trafford during his tenure. Here's the half-dozen he's managed to outlast.

Phil Jones remains the most straightforward case. Already 27 when Maguire arrived, Jones managed just 13 further appearances before injuries and time conspired against him. Despite his lengthy stay – four additional years on the books – United released him when his contract expired in 2023. His standing within the club remained solid, however, and he transitioned into academy coaching.

Marcos Rojo presented little surprise given his minimal involvement before Maguire's arrival. The Argentine featured just 18 times in the two seasons prior, hamstrung by an ACL tear in 2017. From 2019 onwards, he managed a paltry nine appearances despite an eye-raising contract renewal. Loan spells and eventual moves to South American football followed.

Eric Bailly shared Maguire's injury misfortunes early on, missing much of the 2019-20 campaign. Contract extensions came and went, yet his playing time never materialised as hoped. Marseille and Besiktas became his next destinations after 2022. When fit, Bailly possessed genuine defensive quality, though consistency remained elusive.

Jonny Evans commanded intrigue upon his 2023 return, delivering an unexpected 30 outings in his comeback season. Another year was granted, though he saw considerably less action thereafter before stepping into youth development. Despite his two separate spells, Maguire has accumulated more appearances than the former Northern Ireland international.

Victor Lindelof represents a closer call. The Swede arrived two years before Maguire and remained until last summer, departing as a free agent to Aston Villa. His 284 United appearances included EFL Cup success in 2023 and an FA Cup winner's medal in 2024, though injury and inconsistency prevented him from becoming the elite operator many anticipated. Lindelof still holds the edge in total appearances – for now.

Raphael Varane tops the list as the most remarkable departure. Arriving in 2021 as a genuine heavyweight with a glittering Real Madrid pedigree, Varane was merely 28 and seemingly in his prime. Yet across three seasons, he managed just 95 appearances before United declined to activate an extension. His subsequent move to Como ended in injury after a single match, prompting reflection on what might have been. "The club's project didn't suit me," he later told L'Equipe, having finished his United career with a domestic cup triumph.

Now United have bolstered their defensive ranks with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, whilst Lisandro Martinez remains in the fold. Could Maguire somehow outlast any of them? It seems fanciful, particularly given their calibre. Yet there's an option for him to extend further still.

The Englishman has reached an inflection point where the centre-backs he's challenging are genuinely considered superior operators. Should he outlast them, it would represent something genuinely remarkable about his redemption arc. Even if this proves his final contract at the club, Maguire deserves recognition for the journey he's travelled.