Manchester United will extend Harry Maguire’s contract because they are ‘hungry for leaders on the pitch’.
The 31-year-old’s contract was due to expire next summer, but now runs until June 2026.
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Since signing from Leicester City in August 2019 for £80 million – which was a record transfer fee for a defender at the time – Maguire has endured many trials and tribulations.
From out-of-form moments to team problems, Man United were rarely happy during his time there.
Even now, Man United are 14th in the Premier League with four consecutive defeats.
The England international has also endured a lot of personal abuse due to his sub-par performances in the United shirt, but he has persevered.
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Maguire has played 222 games for the Red Devils and won two trophies: the 2022/23 Carabao Cup and the 2023/24 FA Cup.
Amorim spoke about the centre-back’s future at Friday’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s game against Liverpool at Anfield and urged him to improve.
“We will exercise our option,” said the new United boss.
“I spoke to him [Maguire] This morning I told him that he needs to improve on the pitch, we need him a lot.
“He also needs to improve as a leader. We all know the situation he was in here, but we need him very much at this moment, so fortunately we will trigger the option for him.”
When asked if he was a key player, Ruben continued: “If you look at our team, we are hungry for leaders on the pitch. He’s a leader, he needs to improve that part, he needs to improve his game, so we’re excited to move on.”
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When Amorim was appointed head coach following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Maguire’s future was at stake.
Especially when you consider the other options that would be available to the Portuguese coach: Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.
But to the surprise of some, Maguire has played four consecutive 90-minute games in the Premier League and has featured seven times in total under the new manager.
Amorim’s appointment certainly worked in his favor. The defender has produced some of his best performances in his career in a back three, particularly for England, and Amorim swears by this system.
He even wore the captain’s armband in the absence of Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim also confirmed that Amad Diallo, whose contract expires in June 2025, is “close” to a contract extension.