Harry Maguire Faces Fifth Potential Postponement of Greek Retrial as Manchester United Defender Returns to Action

Harry Maguire’s Greek trial for assaulting police officer and attempted bribery could be postponed again

For Harry Maguire, it has been a long and winding road between the pitch at Old Trafford and the courts of Mykonos. The Manchester United defender’s legal saga, stemming from an alleged incident in Greece during a family holiday, has once again taken a twist — with the possibility of a fifth postponement looming over his retrial.

Originally arrested in 2020 on the Cycladic island of Syros, Maguire was convicted of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and repeated attempts of bribery after an altercation with local police. At the time, he received a 21-month suspended sentence, but the conviction was immediately quashed following an appeal under Greek law. Now, three years later, the case has remained in legal limbo, prompting speculation over whether it will ever reach a courtroom again.

The background: what happened in Greece

Maguire’s troubles began during a family vacation in 2020, when a night out on Syros escalated into a confrontation with local authorities. Allegations of assault against police officers quickly spiraled into claims of attempted bribery once the defender was taken to a police station. The resulting conviction shocked many, but the appeal system under Greek law offered Maguire a lifeline — the suspended sentence was annulled, and a retrial was ordered.

The first attempt to retry Maguire was scheduled for May 2023, but his legal team faced scheduling conflicts. A subsequent hearing in February 2024 was delayed due to a lawyers’ strike, and two further retrials have been postponed since, leaving the latest date set for March 4. The Daily Mail reports that even this upcoming hearing could be pushed back yet again, making it the fifth potential postponement. If delays continue, the statute of limitations could see the case lapse entirely by August 2028, effectively closing the book on the Greek legal drama.

Maguire’s response and perspective

Throughout this protracted process, Maguire has consistently denied the charges. Speaking to BBC Sport in 2020, he expressed frustration over the media coverage of the incident:

“It’s not nice seeing bad reports against yourself. No one knew what went off that night. Either you believe it or you don’t. Even after the court case, still the stories coming out of the court case are so far away from the truth it is incredible. So, no, my character and personality will stay the same. I am strong mentally and I will get over this. My conscience is clear. I know exactly what happened that night.”

His focus has remained on football, with Maguire choosing not to attend the retrial in person unless necessary. His defence team is set to represent him in Greece should the hearing proceed, leaving him free to concentrate on his performances with Manchester United.

Back on the pitch: Maguire’s Manchester United comeback

After a nine-match injury lay-off, Maguire has returned to action under interim manager Michael Carrick. His reintroduction to the first team has been met with relief from supporters and staff alike, providing the Red Devils with much-needed stability in central defence.

The 32-year-old’s contract situation adds another layer of intrigue. With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, speculation is already swirling regarding his future for the 2026-27 campaign. At the start of the season, he spoke candidly about his plans:

“Obviously, I have something in my mind about what I want to do and where I want to be. I don’t want to put it out there to everybody but it’s an amazing club to play for and you’d be silly if you wanted to jump out of it as soon as you could. The hierarchy has come in, with [technical director] Jason [Wilcox] and the manager, and I feel like they’re taking it in the right direction. Since I started six years ago to now, it’s in a completely different place in terms of the structure behind the management staff. We’re in a good place. A lot better place.”

England return? World Cup 2026 on the horizon

Maguire’s form for Manchester United has also reignited conversations about a potential recall to the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel recently noted that Maguire is “back in the picture” as he prepares to finalise his tournament roster.

If Maguire continues to perform at a high level in the Premier League, the opportunity to rejoin the national team could coincide with resolution of his Greek legal matters — a timing that would certainly be more convenient than juggling both obligations simultaneously.

What comes next: football first, legal matters second

For the immediate future, Maguire will remain focused on Manchester United. The Red Devils have a Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace before the retrial date, and maintaining form in the short term will be critical for both his club status and any potential international prospects.

Under Carrick, United have enjoyed a strong run, with five wins and a draw from six matches. Maguire’s presence at the heart of the defence has been central to that resurgence, providing leadership, aerial dominance, and composure — qualities that remind supporters why he remains a cornerstone of the squad despite off-field distractions.

As March 4 approaches, uncertainty lingers. Will the retrial finally proceed, or will it be postponed yet again? For Maguire, the priority remains clear: fitness, focus, and form at Old Trafford. Everything else, as he has repeatedly stated, will take care of itself.

Balancing career and controversy

Maguire’s story illustrates the challenges professional athletes face when off-field issues intersect with on-field obligations. The Greek case has cast a shadow for years, yet the defender has managed to compartmentalise, keeping his performances and professionalism intact.

With his club form improving, a potential England call-up on the horizon, and the retrial still pending, the coming months could define the final chapters of a saga that began on a sunny holiday island in 2020. For now, the pitch remains his sanctuary, the place where Harry Maguire can remind everyone — from fans to critics — that his game remains as commanding as ever, no matter what the headlines say.

In football, as in life, timing is everything. And for Maguire, the next few weeks could be decisive both on and off the field.