Ruben Amorim reveals what he said to Harry Maguire before Man United activated contract 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 next summer, but will now run until June 2026.

Since he signed from city ​​of leicester in August 2019 for £80 million, which at the time was a record transfer fee for a defender, Maguire has experienced many trials and tribulations.

From their moments of poor form to their team struggles, Man United have rarely settled during their time there.

Even now, Man United are 14th in the Premier League with four defeats in a row.

The England international has also suffered a lot of personal abuse due to poor performances in a United shirt, but he persisted.

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

At Friday's press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to face Liverpool at Anfield, Amorim was asked about the centre-back's future and challenged him to improve.

“We are going to activate our option,” said the new United coach.

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

“He also has to improve as a leader. “We all know the situation he had here but we need him a lot right now, so we are happily going to activate the option for him.”

When asked if he is a key player, Rubén continued: “When you look at our team, we are hungry for leaders on the field. “He is a leader, he has to improve that part, he has to improve his game, so we are happy to continue.”

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When Amorim was named head coach following the firing of Erik ten HagMaguire's future was at stake.

Especially if we take into account the other options that the Portuguese coach would have at his disposal: Lisandro Martínez, leny yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.

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

Without a doubt, Amorim's appointment has worked in his favor. The defender has shown some of the best performances of his career in a back three, particularly for England, and it is a system Amorim swears by.

He has even worn the captain's armband in the absence of Bruno Fernandez.

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