The main obstacle to Manchester United renewing Maguire’s contract has been revealed, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe considering him too old! Signing Neves is now impossible.

Since recovering from injury, Maguire has performed excellently, helping the team secure wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, even being named man of the match at the Emirates, winning all duels throughout the game. However, Manchester United has not yet decided whether to keep him after his contract expires this summer, with club executives reportedly divided over his future.

The Manchester Evening News reports that the main barrier is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s reluctance to renew Maguire’s deal, as he considers the England center-back too old, turning 33 in March. Ratcliffe favors the high-priced signing Lenny Yaro or the low-cost acquisition Eden Haven as the future core players, aged 20 and 19 respectively. If experienced defenders are needed, Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt are also trusted options, with the Dutch defender’s style similar to Maguire’s.

Nevertheless, many in management still back Maguire, especially given his display as one of the Premier League’s best center-backs over the past year. The consensus is that as long as he stays focused and injury-free, Maguire remains vital to the squad. Moreover, on the training ground, the £80 million defender mentors Yaro, Haven, and other young players, with academy winger Shea Lenny receiving considerable guidance from him.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has announced his departure this summer, highlighting an existing leadership problem in Manchester United’s dressing room. Losing Maguire as well would exacerbate this issue. It is believed that although Ratcliffe loves football, he lacks experience in running a football club. There are serious doubts about whether he fully understands the overall situation regarding the dressing room and senior players.

Manchester United is currently in a rebuilding phase, with many positions needing reinforcement; center-back is not a top priority for signings. The injury histories of Lima and De Ligt are also factors to consider. If Maguire can deliver crucial performances in key matches, like those against Manchester City and Arsenal, he should not be allowed to leave on a free transfer.

At 32, Maguire is now in the final six months of his contract, with no automatic renewal clause at Manchester United, making him eligible to negotiate freely with foreign clubs and even sign pre-contract agreements. His agent group, Triple S Management, has already contacted several European clubs.

However, as a traditional Englishman, Maguire is reluctant to move abroad and uproot his young children from their familiar environment. His eldest daughter is six, and his youngest is five. Additionally, “Big Head” feels staying at Manchester United offers a better chance to continue playing for the England national team.

Maguire’s time at Manchester United has seen ups and downs. Solskjaer made him captain and considered him a key player. But after Solskjaer’s departure, other coaches doubted him. Ten Hag wanted £30 million to sell him to West Ham and stripped him of the captaincy. Maguire showed great spirit, proving his doubters wrong and saving Ten Hag multiple times. Ultimately, Maguire has stayed longer at the club than both Ten Hag and his successor Rúben Amorim.

An internal club meeting was held last week to discuss the January transfer window and assess any last-minute opportunities, with emergency signings not ruled out. Manchester United will remain vigilant in the market, but if no deals are made, it will reflect a decision not to rush into purchases.

Two potential winter signings have already slipped away, both linked to Saudi Professional League leaders Al Hilal. Rennes forward Mohamed Kader M’Bete is set to undergo a medical with Al Hilal and join them, while Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves is close to signing a contract with the club until 2029.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Al Hilal’s €30 million offer eventually convinced Rennes, with 18-year-old M’Bete about to join Simone Inzaghi’s team. Manchester United showed interest but never made an official bid.

M’Bete will become teammates with Neves, whose rumored return to Europe has been ongoing for six months. However, renewal talks have taken a positive turn and reached the final stages, with the 28-year-old Portuguese international’s contract extension now confirmed.

Romano confirmed this outcome: “Long-term contract negotiations between Ruben Neves and Al Hilal have entered the final stage. Although European clubs remain interested, a three-year new deal is close to being finalized.”