Maguire Absent as Manchester United Embark on U.S. Pre-Season Tour for Premier League Summer Series

Why Harry Maguire Will Miss Manchester United’s Pre-Season Tour

Manchester United’s pre-season is officially underway, and this summer, it’s a transatlantic affair. The Red Devils have packed their bags and headed to the United States to take part in the Premier League Summer Series, a newly-established set of friendlies aimed at warming players up for the season ahead — and warming hearts in a fast-growing American fanbase.

But among the familiar faces on the plane to the States, one notable name is missing: Harry Maguire. The England international, who has found himself in and out of the headlines over the past year, has been left out of Ruben Amorim’s 32-man squad. While United are gearing up for matches against the likes of West Ham, Arsenal, and Chelsea on U.S. soil, Maguire’s absence hasn’t gone unnoticed — and there’s a story behind it.

Amorim’s Squad for the U.S.: Youth, New Faces and Big Absences

Bryan Mbeumo Manchester United GFX

Manchester United’s newly-appointed manager Ruben Amorim has wasted no time in stamping his identity on the squad. His selection for the U.S. tour is a reflection of that — a combination of fresh signings, promising youth players, and experienced heads.

Two headline-making signings — Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo — are on board. Mbeumo’s inclusion is particularly eye-catching given that he was only unveiled as a United player just a day before the squad departed for America. His £71 million move from Brentford represents a statement of intent from Amorim and the club’s new-look recruitment team. The Cameroonian winger is expected to bring directness, energy, and goals — all of which United sorely lacked at times last season.

Cunha, meanwhile, arrived earlier in the summer in a £62.5 million switch from Wolves. The Brazilian, who has just welcomed his second child, is still travelling with the team — a sign of his commitment and the importance Amorim places on embedding his new stars into the squad culture early.

But it’s not just about the big names. Amorim has made room for several emerging talents, with the likes of Bendito Mantato, Ethan Williams, Chido Obi, and Ayden Heaven all included in the party. It’s a clear indication that the manager sees value in youth — not just for the future, but for the present.

The Maguire Question: Injury, Exit, or Oversight?

Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference – UEFA Europa League Final 2025

So what about Maguire?

At the time of writing, United haven’t officially confirmed why the 31-year-old centre-back has been left out of the travelling squad. Theories abound. One possibility is injury, though there’s been no confirmation of any setback. Another is that Maguire is in the middle of negotiating a move away from Old Trafford, with rumours linking him to Premier League and Serie A clubs throughout the summer.

What is known is that Maguire’s role at United has been significantly reduced in recent seasons. Once the club captain and the most expensive defender in history, Maguire has fallen down the pecking order — behind the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and now perhaps even recent arrival Matthijs de Ligt. With Amorim pushing for a high defensive line and a more mobile, modern centre-back profile, Maguire’s omission may be more tactical than medical.

Familiar Faces Missing, and the ‘Bomb Squad’ Left Behind

Maguire isn’t the only first-team name missing from the tour.

Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia — dubbed the “bomb squad” by some due to their uncertain futures — have all been left back in the UK. Each player has faced individual challenges in the past year, ranging from off-field issues to injuries to dips in form. Their absences suggest that Amorim is starting this new chapter at United with a clean slate — but also that tough decisions are being made behind the scenes.

Perhaps the most surprising absentee is Marcus Rashford. The forward, who has long been one of United’s poster boys, is reportedly finalising a shock loan move to Barcelona. If that deal goes through, it would mark one of the most high-profile exits from the club in recent memory — and speaks volumes about the extent of United’s restructuring this summer.

The Squad at a Glance

Here’s the full list of players heading Stateside:

Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Will Murdock, Andre Onana.

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Reece Munro, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro.

Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte.

Forwards: Amad, Matheus Cunha, Rasmus Hojlund, Bendito Mantato, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Ethan Williams, Joshua Zirkzee.

It’s a group that combines promise, power, and pedigree. Expect plenty of experimentation in the matches to come — and likely a few breakout moments from the lesser-known names.

What’s Next for Manchester United?

United’s first fixture in the Premier League Summer Series sees them take on West Ham at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey next Saturday. From there, the Red Devils will crisscross the States, facing a mix of Premier League opponents and MLS sides.

The tour isn’t just about results, though. Amorim will be using these games to assess combinations, test his tactical setups, and evaluate which of his players are ready to start the 2025/26 campaign strong. With the Premier League season kicking off in just a few weeks’ time, decisions will have to be made quickly.

And for those left behind — Harry Maguire included — the writing may be on the wall.

Final Word: A New Era, a New United?

Manchester United’s U.S. tour is more than just a marketing exercise. It feels like the beginning of something new. With a fresh manager in Ruben Amorim, bold signings like Mbeumo and Cunha, and a crop of exciting youth, the Red Devils are looking to rebuild not just their squad, but their identity.

Whether that means leaving behind long-serving figures like Maguire remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — change is in the air at Old Trafford.

And for once, it feels like the club has a plan.