Michael Carrick hails ‘invaluable’ Harry Maguire ahead of Man United contract decision | OneFootball

Michael Carrick has unequivocally stated that Harry Maguire remains an "invaluable" asset to Manchester United, even as the defender approaches the final months of his current contract.

The 33-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday next week, has been a constant presence in the starting XI since Carrick assumed interim charge, making his 16th appearance of the season in Monday’s narrow 1-0 victory over Everton.

Maguire, an £80 million acquisition from Leicester in 2019, would likely need to accept a reduced salary to extend his tenure at Old Trafford.

However, Carrick was emphatic about the centre-back's enduring contribution, hinting at a potential new deal.

"Harry’s an impressive character," Carrick affirmed. "He’s had a great career so far. Hopefully, there’s a lot more to come. I think, even while he’s been here, in the journey and the experiences that he’s had, certainly since he’s been here and with England as well, I think he’s shown exactly what he is."

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Carrick has praised Maguire (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

He continued: "I think we all know the player that he is and what he’s capable of doing. Again, the other night I thought he was fantastic. Experience helps, his attributes help, and his character. His willingness to put himself out there. He’s really impressive at (his) age and he’s been really important for us."

The impending departure of veteran midfielder Casemiro, who has confirmed this will be his final season with United, further underscores the importance of experienced figures like Maguire within the squad.

Carrick elaborated on this point, stating: "Experience is massive. It’s hard to put a price on how valuable that can be. Harry has gained an awful lot of experience with this club. Case leaving is another one and we have to understand what that means."

Maguire's consistent presence has been particularly crucial given the prolonged absence of Matthijs de Ligt, who has been sidelined with a back injury since late November.

What was initially considered a minor issue has unfortunately kept the Dutchman out for a significant portion of the campaign. While Mason Mount is "getting closer" to a return to action, there remains no clear timeline for De Ligt's comeback.

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Matthijs de Ligt is still struggling with a back problem (PA Wire)

"Matthijs has had a back issue which has been a bit slow to progress, it’s something we’ve been working through, he’s in the right direction but a bit further behind," Carrick explained. "It’s the nature of the injury, the issue in the back, it’s a difficult one to pin down time-wise. He’s definitely improving."

The recent win at Everton marked United’s fifth victory in six matches under Carrick’s stewardship, propelling them back into the top four of the league.

Benjamin Sesko netted the decisive goal, his sixth in seven appearances, yet the summer signing is still awaiting his first start under Carrick.

Addressing the discussion surrounding Sesko’s place in the starting XI, Carrick commented: "The whole thing is a real positive. It’s certainly not a decision I look at in a negative way. We’re playing well as a team, we’re not getting carried away and thinking that carries on.

“The forwards have scored a good number of goals, Ben has been so good in so many ways. It’s really not a drama. It just shows the quality Ben has got. If he starts the next game or the one after, it is what it is, but he’s doing so many good things."