Carrick backs Maguire for new Man United deal | OneFootball

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has thrown his full support behind centre-back Harry Maguire.

The former Man United midfield controller hopes the defender will extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond this summer.

Maguire’s current deal is due to expire in June, yet there is growing confidence inside Man Utd that fresh terms can be agreed.

Carrick, speaking ahead of United’s Premier League trip to Newcastle United, made it clear he sees the 33-year-old as central to his plans.

“Harry’s had a great career so far, and hopefully there’s a lot more to come,” Carrick said (via ManUtd.com).

“He’s an impressive character. The experiences he’s had here and with England show exactly what he is.”

Lauded as the ‘ultimate team player’, few Man United careers in the modern era have been as turbulent.

Since his £80million arrival in 2019, Maguire has been stripped of the captaincy, dropped, jeered by sections of supporters and linked with an Old Trafford exit.

Off-field issues have also cast long shadows, most notably his ongoing legal case in Greece.

However, through every setback, Maguire has remained available, professional and committed.

Carrick’s decision to reinstall him at the heart of a 4-2-3-1 system has proved pivotal.

After injury curtailed his involvement under Ruben Amorim and a brief spell on the bench during Darren Fletcher’s interim stint, Maguire has started all six matches since Carrick’s appointment.

United’s defensive solidity has noticeably improved.

He was instrumental again in Monday’s gritty 1-0 win, marshalling the back line through a late siege to secure three crucial points in the top-four race.

With the future of Casemiro also uncertain, Carrick is keen to retain leadership and experience. In Maguire, he sees both.

The 64-cap England international defensive stalwart has made 262 appearances for the Red Devils, winning two titles within that period.