Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to cut his losses as Manchester United is ready to bring in a 21-year-old academy standout to replace Harry Maguire as the former captain is to leave in the next transfer window. The lad to replace him is described as a player with “no fear” This news is giving the fans mixed feelings 😳💔 Because Harry has been playing well lately 🥹🥹 But his replacement is one of our best U-21 players😳
Harry Maguire’s tenure at Manchester United has been filled with heavy criticism, largely due to his record-breaking £80 million transfer from Leicester City in 2019, making him the priciest defender ever.
Initially, Maguire was a consistent figure, featuring in every Premier League match of his debut season and contributing to 13 clean sheets. However, his influence has waned over time. Under Erik ten Hag’s management, Maguire lost the captaincy and has seen his playing time reduced, starting just 20 league games. An injury in December further hampered his progress, sidelining the 30-year-old after a series of strong displays and forcing him to miss six matches. This opened the door for younger talents to step up.
One of these rising players is 19-year-old French center-back Willy Kambwala. He was called upon to help ease Manchester United’s defensive injury woes. Kambwala made his Premier League debut in a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United in December, showcasing solid passing skills with 90% accuracy and making 90 touches. However, he struggled defensively, unable to win any physical battles during the game.
In contrast, Will Fish, a 21-year-old currently on loan at Hibernian in Scotland, has adapted well to senior football. Over the past two seasons, Fish has established himself as a vital player for Hibernian, starting regularly and impressing with his composure, strength, and technical ability. Former Hibernian coach Lee Johnson has praised Fish for his speed and physical presence, labeling him an ideal center-back.
Fish’s aerial strength mirrors Maguire’s, with the young defender excelling in the air, as shown in a standout performance against Aberdeen where he won 8 of 9 aerial duels. Furthermore, Fish has developed a knack for scoring goals, netting five times across 56 appearances for Hibernian, largely due to his height and effectiveness in set-piece situations.
Both Fish and Kambwala have significant potential, but Fish’s continued growth suggests he could play a crucial role in Manchester United’s defense in the future. His development may put him in contention for a return to Old Trafford, where he could compete for a first-team spot and possibly succeed Maguire in the comi
ng years.
