Harry Maguire’s tenure at Manchester United has been marked by intense scrutiny, largely due to his record £80 million transfer fee. After joining from Leicester City in 2019, he became the most expensive defender globally.
In his initial season, Maguire was dependable, participating in every Premier League match and aiding the team in achieving 13 clean sheets. However, his situation changed with Erik ten Hag’s appointment as manager. Maguire lost both the captaincy and his starting position, making only 20 league starts under the Dutch manager.
This season, the 30-year-old faced an injury in December after a series of strong performances, which sidelined him for six matches. His absence allowed younger players to emerge, including 19-year-old Willy Kambwala, who was introduced to strengthen central defense.
Kambwala made his Premier League debut in a 2-0 defeat against West Ham United. Despite showcasing impressive technical abilities—recording a 90% pass accuracy and 90 touches—he struggled with the game’s physical demands, failing to win any of his defensive duels.
Meanwhile, another young defender, Will Fish, has been advancing significantly. Over the past 18 months, the 21-year-old has honed his skills during a loan at Hibernian in Scotland. Fish has been a standout, starting all 25 matches for the club this season and earning accolades for his composure and aggression on the pitch.
Former Hibernian coach Lee Johnson praised Fish as an ideal center-back due to his speed, strength, and technical skills. His performance against Aberdeen was particularly impressive, indicating his readiness to make an impact upon returning to Manchester United.
Maguire’s aerial prowess is one of his main advantages, placing him among the top 12% in the Premier League for aerial duels won. Fish also excels in this area, winning 8 out of 9 aerial duels this season. At 6-foot-1, he poses a threat during set pieces, having netted five goals in 56 appearances in Scotland.
Both Fish and Kambwala exhibit potential, but Fish’s rapid growth has garnered attention. He could become a regular in Manchester United’s lineup once his loan period concludes, potentially taking over Maguire’s role.
