Manchester United defender Harry Maguire eyes continued momentum under Michael Carrick
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed his desire for the club to maintain the momentum established under manager Michael Carrick as they prepare for the upcoming season. Maguire believes the team can build on their strong finish to the previous season and anticipates improved performances.
Carrick, who was appointed permanent head coach in May, led United to a fine conclusion in 2025-26. Following his return to the club in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure, United recorded the most wins (12) and goals scored (33) in the Premier League. Overall, the 44-year-old manager has secured 12 victories in 17 games across all competitions, alongside three draws and two losses.
Maguire, who saw an upturn in his own form under Carrick, expects the manager to continue his progress at Old Trafford. He highlighted the team’s achievement of the most Premier League points since Carrick’s arrival as their aim for the new season. Maguire also noted that the team will introduce new ideas, playing styles, and tactical approaches this season, which they have been working on during pre-season.
The defender himself benefited from Carrick’s arrival at the start of 2026. During that period, Maguire won the most duels (44) among United players in the Premier League. He also ranked joint-second for duels won overall (82, level with Luke Shaw) and fourth for successful passes (601).
Pre-Season Preparations and New Signings
Manchester United’s pre-season has included a 1-0 defeat to Championship side Wrexham, followed by victories against Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid. The team also secured a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain after coming from behind. Maguire’s omission from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup allowed him to participate fully in United’s pre-season, which he believes has helped him regain fitness quickly.
Maguire expressed satisfaction with the team’s pre-season progress, stating that the squad is fit and strong. The return of players from the World Cup is expected to further strengthen the squad and increase competition for places.
The club has also made several new signings this summer. Andrey Santos has joined from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, and Karl Darlow from Leeds United. Maguire has observed Santos and Tielemans in training and friendly matches, noting Santos’s progress and predicting that Tielemans will make an immediate impact.
Maguire, who previously played alongside Tielemans at Leicester, praised the 29-year-old Belgian’s ability and talent. He believes Tielemans is at an age where he will not require a settling-in period and will become a significant player for the club. Regarding Karl Darlow, Maguire acknowledged his current injury but highlighted his positive character and leadership qualities, which can benefit the squad both on and off the pitch, especially in support of first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Looking Ahead to the Premier League Season
Manchester United will conclude their pre-season with a friendly against Leeds United in Dublin on August 12, followed by a final test against AC Milan in Poland on August 15. Their Premier League campaign is set to begin on August 22 with an away match against newly-promoted Hull City, a club Maguire played for between 2014 and 2017.
Following the match against Hull City, United will face Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City, and Fulham before the extended international break in September. Maguire emphasized the importance of a strong start to the campaign to achieve their ambitions for the 2026-27 season. He stressed that in the Premier League, there are no easy games, and every match requires a fight for three points.
Maguire also credited the contributions of the club’s younger players during pre-season, acknowledging the academy prospects who have featured in friendly matches. This aligns with Carrick’s aim to transform a period of stability into a season of substantial achievement. The team’s Premier League opener against Hull City is scheduled for August 22.
Source: beinsports.com
Emeka Nwosu 