Hours after celebrating a memorable 2-0 derby win over Manchester City, Michael Carrick finds himself fighting a different battle entirely. The interim boss has reportedly told Manchester United's hierarchy to reject all approaches for Harry Maguire this January, despite serious interest from Serie A.
According to The Sun, Carrick views the 32-year-old as indispensable, at least for the next few months. And honestly? It's hard to argue with him.
Italy comes knocking
The vultures have been circling. Inter Milan, Napoli, Fiorentina, AC Milan and AS Roma have all been linked with the England international over the past week, according to reports from Sky Sports Italia and Italian journalist Marco Conterio at Tuttomercatoweb.
The appeal is obvious. Maguire's contract expires in June, meaning United's last chance to recoup any fee is now. The defender, who turned 32 in March, has reportedly "opened the door" to a move abroad, per Conterio. He sees Serie A's slower tempo and tactical emphasis on positioning as a potential fresh start.
Milan reportedly fancy him as a partner for Fikayo Tomori. Roma need aerial presence. Inter are weighing defensive reinforcements should Stefan de Vrij or Francesco Acerbi depart. The interest is real.
The Carrick factor
But Carrick isn't budging. Just 72 hours into his second stint as United's interim manager, the former midfielder has made his position clear: Maguire stays.
It's a pragmatic call. United's defensive depth has been tested all season. Injuries have ravaged the squad. Amorim's final weeks saw academy players warming benches in Premier League fixtures simply because there was no one else. Carrick can't afford to weaken himself further, not with trips to Arsenal and Tottenham looming.
There's also the matter of personality. Maguire was part of Amorim's six-man leadership group alongside Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Tom Heaton. His influence in the dressing room extends beyond what any stat sheet shows.
What now?
United hold a one-year extension option on Maguire's contract. Whether they trigger it likely depends on who arrives as permanent manager this summer. The club hasn't ruled out keeping him, though wages remain a sticking point.
For now, Italy will have to wait. Maguire, who earned 64 caps for England and once cost £80 million, isn't going anywhere in January. Carrick has made sure of that.
The question isn't whether Maguire will leave United. It's whether he leaves on his terms or the club's.
