Ruben Amorim reveals what he told Harry Maguire before Manchester United’s release clause

Manchester United will extend Harry Maguire’s contract because they are “hungry for leaders on the pitch”.

The 31-year-old had a contract that was due to expire this summer but now runs until June 2026.

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Since the signing of Leicester City Signed in August 2019 for £80m – then a record transfer for a defender – Maguire has experienced many trials and tribulations.

From their out-of-form spell to team struggles, Manchester United have rarely been complacent during their time there.

Even now, Manchester United are 14th in the Premier League with four defeats.

The England international has also experienced a lot of personal abuse for his poor performances in a United shirt, but he persisted.

Maguire made 222 appearances for the Red Devils and won two trophies: 2022/23. Carabao Cup and the 2023/24 FA Cup.

Amorim was asked about the centre-back’s future at a press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield and challenged him to make progress

“We will activate our option,” United’s new boss said.

I spoke to him (Maguire) this morning and told him he needs to improve on the pitch, we need him a lot.

Also, he needs to improve as a leader. We all know the situation he was in here, but we need him so much at this moment, so, thankfully, we’re enabling this option for him.

Asked if he was a key player, Robben continued: “When you look at our team, we are hungry for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader, he has to improve in that department. “He needs to improve his game, so we’re happy to continue.”

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When Amorim was appointed head coach after his dismissal Erik Ten HoagMaguire’s future hung in the balance.

Especially when we consider the other options available to the Portuguese coach: Lisandro Martinez, Lenny Euro and Matthias de Licht.

But, to the surprise of some, Maguire has played four consecutive 90-minute games in the Premier League, making a total of seven appearances under the new manager.

Amorim’s appointment has definitely benefited him. The defender has produced some of the best performances of his career playing in a back three, particularly for England, and it’s a system Amorim swears by.

He even wears the captain’s armband in his absence Bruno Fernandez.

Amorim also confirmed that Amad Diallo, whose contract is set to expire in June 2025, is close to a contract extension.