Ruben Amorim gives update on star player contract extension at Manchester United

One-year contract extension for defender Harry Maguire has been activated by Manchester United, according to head coach Ruben Amorim. At least, until the end of the 2025–2026 season, the Englishman will remain with the team. Before the extension was activated, Maguire, joined the Red Devils in 2019, had six months left on his current contract and could potentially talk about a transfer for the upcoming campaign. 

Teams like Napoli and Galatasaray were interested in signing the former Manchester United captain for nothing, but they will now have to wait at least a year for a chance. Since arriving from Leicester City, the 31-year-old has made 222 appearances for the team and scored 12 goals.

With the FA Cup last season and the Carabao Cup in the 2022–2023 season, he has already won two trophies during his tenure at Old Trafford. The defender appeared to have fallen out of favor with former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag at one time, and it looked as though he might depart the team at the end of this season. However, under new head coach Amorim, things changed. Since Amorim took control, Maguire has made seven appearances. He has even held the armband when club captain Bruno Fernandes is not present.

Amorim has also stated that Amad Diallo is getting close to signing a contract extension, ahead of United's visit to Anfield on Sunday. He said, “Amad is near, Harry Maguire we are going to trigger our option.” Ruben Amorim stated that he told Maguire that the team needed him and highlighted this as one of the main reasons for the contract.

He is a leader, he has to improve that part - Ruben Amorim

He urged the defender to become a better leader on the field because the team was lacking in leaders. The squad is now lacking leaders on the field, therefore he conceded that Maguire is a leader but has to do better at it. “He is a leader, he has to improve that part, he has to improve his game, so we are happy to continue,” the Manchester United coach said.

Maguire had previously captained Manchester United before former manager Erik Ten Hag removed him from the position to make room for Bruno Fernandes. He plays well in Amorim's back three formation because he was a regular for England in a similar configuration under Sir Gareth Southgate. When it comes to their defense, Manchester United has a youthful team. The only players older than thirty are Victor Lindelof and Johnny Evans, although they don't play much on the field.