The two players closest to leaving Manchester United last summer are likely to be kept

A lot can change in 12 months in professional football - just ask Harry Maguire.

Maguire made just eight league starts last season, he was on the bench for the FA Cup final and officially stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in the summer.

Manchester United were prepared to sell Maguire and West Ham's bid was accepted, but he stayed beyond the summer window and has enjoyed an impressive renaissance this season, regaining the manager's trust by displaying laudable character and determination.

Maguire became a pantomime figure to rival supporters and is having the last laugh, reconsolidating his position in the squad after being considered surplus to requirements.

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The classic arc of a story is an introduction, a climax, a falling action and a resolution. Maguire was excellent in his first two seasons, he regressed and was forced to deal with some personal vitriol in his next two, but his fifth year at Old Trafford has represented his comeback.

Maguire wasn't good enough in 2021/22 and 2022/23 and a departure from United seemed like the best option, so he could put that torrid run behind him with a clean slate.

He was determined and convinced he could regain his starting United place and his self-belief has been vindicated. You don't sign for United without believing in your ability and Maguire wasn't going to leave without a fight, but many considered a renaissance unlikely.

Maguire has proved the doubters wrong - and now looks set to stay. He's enjoyed an outstanding season, which was only interrupted by an injury in December, and he's been the mainstay in a defensive line