Amorim confirms fresh contract extension for United star, progress in talks with another ace | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim spoke to the media ahead of the highly-anticipated Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

The manager confirmed in his press conference that United are close to agreeing a new contract with Amad Diallo. He also confirmed the club will extend Harry Maguire’s deal until 2026.

He said (via ManUtd.com): “Amad is near, Harry Maguire we are going to trigger our option.

“I spoke with him [Harry] this morning, and I told him he has to improve on the pitch – we need him a lot.

“Also, he has to improve as a leader. We all know the situation that he had here, but we need him a lot, so we are going to trigger, happily, the option for him.

“When you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader, he has to improve that part, he has to improve his game, so we are happy to continue.”

Diallo has been a shining light for United in a poor season. He started slowly under manager Erik ten Hag, but Amorim has perfectly used his qualities.

The youngster impressed as the right wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation in the first few games under the Portuguese.

He has been shifted to the right number 10 role as Amorim wants a left-footer to play behind the striker.

Maguire will also stay at the club for another year. The England international was in the final year of his deal, but United had the option to extend his contract.

They activated that clause after the former United captain impressed the new manager.

United are 14th in the league table. Liverpool will show no mercy to their bitter rivals and Amorim’s side must improve to have a chance of taking something from the game.