If you are asked which current Manchester United player has received the most teasing, criticism and booing from their own supporters, then it is natural to mention the name of Harry Maguire. Stripped of the captain’s armband, benched for the first part of last season, then a mini-save for Erik ten Hag when the Dutchman got his first choice on the injury bench. Talk about tough in the skull! Entering the final year of his contract, few, if any, believed that Maguire would be in next season. Think again.
The 31-year-old has 222 appearances in the red shirt since his move from Leicester in 2019 as the world’s most expensive defender, now more, much more awaits.
On Friday, Ruben Amorim confirmed that United are activating the option to extend their contract with Maguire, now until the summer of 2026. There is little doubt that the centre-back has a completely different role at Amorim than at Ten Hag.
“I spoke to him this morning and said that he needs to improve on the pitch, because we really need him. He also needs to improve as a leader,” Amorim begins to the club’s website.
Man United need Maguire. The team also needs the leader Maguire.
“We all know the situation, but we need him very much at this point, and we are going to activate the option (option). We are hungry for leaders on the pitch and he is a leader, says Amorim.
For Maguire, this will be a victory and a greeting directed at Erik ten Hag, who did everything to push the Englishman into exit.
