Harry Maguire’s tenure at Manchester United has been a subject of intense scrutiny, largely due to his record-breaking £80 million transfer fee, which made him the most expensive defender in history when he moved from Leicester City in 2019. Initially, Maguire performed consistently during his debut season, playing every Premier League game and contributing to 13 clean sheets for the team.
However, his standing within the squad took a downturn after the appointment of Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager. Under Ten Hag, Maguire lost both his role as captain and his position as a regular starter, with the defender making only 20 league starts since the Dutchman took charge.
This season, Maguire’s challenges have been further compounded by injury. In December, after a series of strong performances, the 30-year-old suffered a setback that saw him sidelined for six games. His absence opened the door for Manchester United’s younger talents to step up, particularly in the center-back position. One of the emerging players given a chance was 19-year-old Willy Kambwala, who stepped in during Maguire’s absence.
Kambwala made his Premier League debut in a 2-0 loss to West Ham United. Despite showing technical proficiency, highlighted by an impressive 90% pass accuracy and 90 touches, Kambwala struggled with the physical demands of the game. He failed to win any of his defensive duels, revealing that while his technical skills are advanced, there is still room for growth in handling the physical side of Premier League football.
At the same time, another young defender, Will Fish, has been garnering attention for his development.The 21-year-old has spent the last 18 months on loan at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, where he has been honing his craft.
Fish has stood out for his consistent performances, having started all 25 games for Hibernian this season.His time in Scotland has been marked by praise for his composure under pressure, aggression, and tactical understanding on the field.
Lee Johnson, Hibernian’s former coach, has spoken highly of Fish, describing him as an ideal modern center-back due to his blend of speed, strength, and technical ability.One of Fish’s standout performances came against Aberdeen, showcasing his readiness to compete at a higher level when he returns to Manchester United.
Like Maguire, Fish excels in aerial duels, having won 8 out of 9 aerial challenges this season.Standing at 6-foot-1, Fish is also a considerable threat during set pieces, scoring five goals in 56 appearances for Hibernian.
While both Kambwala and Fish show promise, Fish’s rapid progress during his loan spell has particularly caught the attention of Manchester United’s coaching staff.
His development suggests that he could soon become a key player for the club upon his return, with the potential to fill the void that may eventually be left by Maguire’s diminishing role in the squad.
