Steve Bruce, who once wore the captain’s armband for Manchester United, insists that Harry Maguire deserves a renewed contract with the club and a spot in England’s World Cup lineup. Bruce argues that Maguire has been unfairly scapegoated as a ‘whipping boy’ in recent times.

Throughout his tenure with both Manchester United and the England national team, the 32-year-old Maguire has faced substantial criticism. This has occasionally included being jeered by his own supporters and losing the captaincy at United under Erik ten Hag’s leadership in 2023.

Despite these setbacks, Maguire has repeatedly silenced his detractors, emerging as a pivotal player in United’s resurgence under the guidance of their new head coach, Michael Carrick.

His resurgence in form and health couldn’t have come at a better moment. As his current £180,000-a-week contract approaches its final four months, negotiations for a new deal are actively underway.

England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, has also taken notice. He has expressed that Maguire, along with Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw, is being considered for the upcoming World Cup. Maguire hasn’t played under Tuchel yet, having last donned the England jersey during the Nations League victory against Ireland in September 2024.

Steve Bruce believes Harry Maguire deserves to be offered a new deal by Manchester United

Maguire has been booed by his own fans on occasion but has turned it around again at United

Bruce, who himself was a formidable centre-back and captain for United, contends that Maguire should be rewarded with a fresh contract and a place on England’s squad heading to North America.

‘I believe Harry has been made the whipping boy for too long,’ said Bruce. ‘I don’t think he’s ever let Man United down. In that fact, he’s never let England down either.

‘As I said, I think he became a whipping boy for what was going on around him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets offered a new deal. Why wouldn’t you? I think centre-halves get better with age.

‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to the World Cup either. He’s got good experience, he’s played at the highest level, he’s never let England down either. And he’s given a reminder of just what he’s about over the last five, six weeks in particular, if he ever needed to.’

Bruce also believes that Mainoo is playing himself into contention for the World Cup, having lost his England place on the back of being frozen out by Amorim at United.

Speaking to OLBG he added: ‘He has got back into the United team under Michael in the last six weeks, so it’s good to see him playing again because we haven’t seen him for a year or so.

‘He burst onto the scene. We all know that he’s a talent and, for whatever reason, Ruben Amorim never played him. If you’re not playing for your club side, then there’s no chance you’re going to a World Cup.

‘So I would have presumed that he’s put himself right back in the fray. He’s playing at the right time and playing very, very well again. So that’s good to see.’

Reinstating Maguire and Mainoo, as well as pushing Bruno Fernandes further forward in a in a 4-2-3-1 formation, has been a big part of Carrick’s early success. He and his coach staff, including former England No2 Steve Holland, are also getting the best out of summer signings Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Although United are keeping their options open over the head coach’s position beyond the end of this season, Bruce admits Carrick has given himself every chance to land the job full-time.

Bruce has also praised United’s interim boss Michael Carrick after a strong start in the role

‘Look, he’s put himself in pole position, even after six weeks,’ said the 65-year-old. ‘He’s been quite refreshing in his way and the one thing I’ve said about him, he understands Man United.

‘I don’t mean that disrespectfully at all to anybody coming in, but you don’t realise how big a club it is and how the scrutiny on you is like no other.

‘As soon as you walk in there, you’re in the spotlight; everything is analysed and he understands the club that way after playing for it for 13 years, this cool, calm demeanour that he’s got.

‘People getting fit, like Harry Maguire who was outstanding at Everton, (Lisandro) Martinez who didn’t play, all of a sudden they’re fit. Brings Kobbie Mainoo back into the team, and puts Bruno in his right position at No10.

‘If you’ve got good players, which Man United have got, and they’re comfortable in their playing position, then for me, you’d reap the rewards and he’s done it fantastically well.

‘Cunha, Mbeumo, Bruno and Sesko, they’re a threat to any team going forward. With think the shrewd appointment of Steve Holland, they look much, much more secure defensively. I think that’s the third clean sheet out of six since Michael took over, and that’s good to see too.’