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 this summer. The lad to replace him is described as a player with “no fear”

Harry Maguire’s tenure at Manchester United has been marked by significant criticism, which often accompanies a hefty price tag of £80 million.

His transfer from Leicester City to the Red Devils in 2019 solidified his status as the most expensive defender in history.

In his debut season, Maguire showcased his durability by starting every Premier League match and proving to be a stalwart in defense, contributing to 13 clean sheets in the league.

However, since then, his role as captain was relinquished by Erik ten Hag, and he has seen limited opportunities under the Dutch manager, making just 20 league starts.

This season, the 30-year-old suffered an injury in December after a series of solid performances, causing him to miss six games. Yet, this setback paved the way for emerging talent to shine.

Willy Kambwala, a 19-year-old, was called upon by the manager to address the team’s center-back injury concerns.

This need became particularly evident in late December when the young French player made his Premier League debut in a 2-0 loss to West Ham United.

Kambwala showcased his technical prowess and adeptness on the ball, boasting an impressive 90% pass accuracy and registering 90 touches.

However, he struggled with the intensity of the game when out of possession, losing all of his duels.

In contrast, the potential successor to Maguire has seamlessly adapted to the physical demands of senior football.

Over the past 18 months, Will Fish has made significant strides in his development, emerging as a promising young center-back with the potential to excel upon his return to Manchester United.

The 21-year-old has spent the last two years on loan at Hibernian in Scotland, where he has established himself as a key player for the team.

This season, he has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup, featuring in all 25 matches for the club.

His displays have earned praise for his composure and fearless approach on the pitch, as noted by former Hibernian coach Lee Johnson.

Johnson lauded Fish’s qualities, describing him as the epitome of an ideal center-back, highlighting his speed, physical strength, and technical ability.

Fish’s standout performance against Aberdeen earlier in the campaign exemplified his potential to make a significant impact upon his return to Manchester United’s squad at Old Trafford.

One of Maguire’s notable strengths lies in his aerial prowess, placing him among the top 12% for aerial duels won in the Premier League this season.

Fish demonstrates similar ability, evident in his successful 8 out of 9 aerial duels won.

Moreover, Fish poses a threat in the opponent’s penalty area, utilizing his 6-foot-1 stature to effectively contest set pieces, resulting in five goals across 56 appearances in Scotland.

Both Fish and Kambwala exhibit considerable potential, with Fish notably showcasing significant growth this season.

Given his development, it would not be surprising to see him regularly involved in the first-team squad upon the conclusion of his loan spell, potentially emerging as a successor to Maguire.
Harry Maguire’s time at Manchester United has been a complex journey. Despite his record-breaking £80 million transfer from Leicester City in 2019 and an impressive first season where he helped the team keep 13 clean sheets, his position at the club has weakened over time. Maguire lost the captaincy under Erik ten Hag and has struggled for consistent playing time, making just 20 league starts recently.

His injury in December, following a string of solid performances, provided an opportunity for younger players to step up, including 19-year-old French defender Willy Kambwala. Kambwala impressed with his technical skills and passing accuracy, but his struggles with the physical intensity of Premier League football, particularly in duels, revealed that he is still a work in progress.

Meanwhile, Will Fish, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Hibernian, has emerged as a more immediate contender for a first-team role. At 21, Fish has matured into a key player in Scotland, displaying leadership, composure, and technical ability. His consistent performances and physical attributes, especially his aerial prowess, suggest that he could be a natural successor to Maguire.

While Maguire remains strong in aerial duels, Fish has shown similar capability, winning 8 out of 9 aerial duels in key matches. Additionally, Fish’s ability to contribute offensively, with five goals from set pieces during his time in Scotland, adds another dimension to his game.

As Maguire’s future at United remains uncertain, Fish’s development positions him as a potential successor, ready to compete for a place in Erik ten Hag’s squad upon his return from loan.