Ruben Amorim has sought to explain why Manchester United have not yet opened talks with Harry Maguire about a new contract. Maguire scored the goal which gave United their first away win at Liverpool for nine years but his future with the Red Devils is in doubt as he is into the last year of his contract. From January, he will be allowed to speak to foreign clubs about joining as a free agent.
Getty Images SportSurvivor Maguire still crucial to Man Utd
Maguire joined United for a then-world record fee for a defender when he signed for the Red Devils from Leicester in 2019 for £80m ($106m). He had a dream debut in a 4-0 win over Chelsea but it proved to be a first season of ups and downs. Maguire was named club captain in January 2020 and the following year played a huge role in United coming second in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final, which he missed due to injury. He had a hapless 2021-22 season though when United finished sixth and sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The centre-back then lost his place in the starting XI when Erik ten Hag took over and in the summer of 2023 he had the captaincy taken off him and given to Bruno Fernandes instead. Maguire was also subjected to torrents of social media abuse in this period. But he rose above it and fought his way back into the team under Ten Hag and then becoming a crucial player for Amorim, scoring vital goals against Lyon, Leicester and Ipswich last season. His 85th-minute header at Anfield increased his cult-hero status, prompting Amorim to say: "Harry Maguire is really important for us and was today. He is a great example, everything he has been through, a great example to every kid."
AdvertisementAmorim: Not the time to talk about Maguire contract
The head coach, however, was not willing to discuss whether or not the club plan to renew Maguire's contract, which expires in June. Amorim said at a press conference on Friday: "We are really happy with Harry but it is not the time to talk about that. That gives the idea that we are thinking really far away, we need to think about now. We are really happy with Harry, he is really important for us but we just need to focus on the next game."
Getty Images SportMaguire 'needs to be better on the ball'
Amorim praised Maguire and said he was ideally suited to playing in a back three. But he also challenged the defender to improve his ability on the ball. Amorim added: "It was good for him to play with three centre backs, I think he feels more comfortable. Because he plays in the centre, he does not need to go to the side so much so sometimes you help players with the way you play. Sometimes it is the opposite with some players. I am really pleased. He is not young but he can learn a lot, he can improve.
"I think he can be so much better with the ball because he has that quality and he needs to show that. Nowadays with the set pieces that you see, the amount of men that you put in the box and every cross from the opponent – everyone is playing like that. He is a massive player for us, I am really happy but that game is in the past, that goal is in the past and now let's look forward to the present and the future."
Maguire & Mount doubts for Brighton
Amorim explained that Maguire and Mason Mount have picked up knocks since the win at Anfield. It means the former England team-mates are doubts for United's game at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. The coach also declared that Lisandro Martinez is progressing well eight months after tearing his ACL but is still some way off from returning to the team.