Man United extends Maguire contract amid leadership crisis

Manchester United have decided to activate the one-year extension in Harry Maguire’s contract, as head coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged the team’s urgent need for strong leadership.

The £190,000-a-week deal, originally signed in 2019 when Maguire joined from Leicester City for £80 million, will now keep him at Old Trafford for another season.

Amorim confirmed the decision following a conversation with Maguire at Carrington on Friday, emphasising the player’s potential to step up both on and off the pitch.

Despite being stripped of the captaincy by former manager Erik ten Hag in favour of Bruno Fernandes in 2023, Maguire has re-emerged as a key figure under Amorim’s leadership.

“I spoke with Harry this morning and told him he has to improve his game on the pitch. We need him a lot, and he also has to grow as a leader,” Amorim said.

“When you look at our team, we are starving for leaders. Harry has to fill that role.”

The coach acknowledged Maguire’s challenges since losing the captaincy but praised his resilience and recent performances, which have seen him regain a regular starting spot.

Maguire even wore the captain’s armband during United’s commanding 4-0 win over Everton earlier in December.

Amorim added, “If you want to be a top team, you need leaders. We have leadership in the dressing room, but players need to step up. It’s a tough time, and we need experienced heads like Harry to guide us through.”

United currently find themselves in a challenging position, coming off four consecutive defeats in all competitions and facing a daunting trip to Anfield, where they haven’t won in nine years.

Amorim stressed the need for a focused and improved performance.

“My focus is on preparing the team to avoid lapses like the first 15 minutes against Newcastle,” he said. “In football, anything can happen in one game, but over a season, the best teams usually come out on top.

Right now, they’re better than us, but we can win any game if we focus on the basics.” He said.