Manchester United were smart to extend Harry Maguire’s contract | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Harry Maguire’s contract has been extended.

The England international’s deal was set to expire next summer, but United triggered the one-year extension option,

He joined the Red Devils in 2019 from Leicester City and has made 222 appearances, scoring 12 goals.

Maguire was made the club’s captain in his debut season after Ashley Young left for Inter Milan. Former manager Erik ten Hag relieved him of the position in favour of Bruno Fernandes.

Maguire’s performances have always divided opinion, and United attempted to sell him two summers ago.

They agreed a £30 million deal with West Ham United, but it fell through because he was not keen on leaving.

His performances have not improved significantly, and his contract extension will not please everyone.

However, letting him leave for free would mean United would lose three senior centre-backs simultaneously, with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof expected to go as free agents.

The trio’s departure would require the Red Devils to sign at least two centre-backs next summer. This could hinder the club from strengthening other departments.

Maguire has shown under Amorim that he is still a decent centre-back. Playing in a three-man defence has uplifted his performances.

He has been deployed mainly as the central centre-back, meaning his lack of mobility or pace is unlikely to be exploited.

As a sign of his improvement under Amorim, he was nominated for the club’s Player of the Month for December 2024 but lost out to Amad Diallo.

The club must be financially savvy to inject more quality into the squad. Having done well recently, Maguire can still be relied upon.

By the time his contract expires in 2026, Man United could be in a better state to let him go and sign an upgrade as his replacement.

The decision to keep him was spot on by the club’s management.