Manchester United under Ruben Amorim are a project that is struggling to take off. Every time you think the Portuguese tactician has managed a significant ascent, it all comes crashing down. Pressure on his job has eased after the Red Devils’ 2-0 win over Sunderland last weekend.
Amorim, during his time at Man Utd, has come across as a stubborn and unwavering figure. His absolute belief in his tactics, and persistence despite the lack of results, has prompted questions from all directions. Despite this, the Portuguese tactician remains bullish.
Even in terms of players, Amorim has his preferred starters, who start almost every game Man Utd play. Only in cases of injury or extreme fatigue does the manager appear willing to rotate and give the squad’s fringe players an opportunity.
A non-starter: Harry Maguire
One such player is Harry Maguire. The England international is not a starter for Amorim, despite the manager lining up with three centre-backs. Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw are all ahead of him in the pecking order, and the 32-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season.
Now, as per Talksport (h/t Fichajes), Manchester United are willing to extend Maguire’s contract on one condition. The Red Devils expect their former club captain to take a wage reduction to aid their bid to bring down the payroll. The veteran defender is said to be earning around £190,000 a week, which is not sustainable for the club.
Man Utd, under the new ownership spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are very clear in their policy of not offering non-starters massive contracts. Maguire is one such player and, hence, the club want him to accept a significant wage cut in order to receive a new contract. From the player’s side, he would love to stay in England.
A polarising figure
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Ever since his high-profile arrival from Leicester City, Maguire has been a player who has polarised opinion. He was given the armband at the club and once started every game of the campaign, but over the years his career has not progressed.
Now, no longer a fundamental part of Man Utd’s plans, the club are more than happy to let him leave unless he renews on favourable terms. The ball is firmly in Harry Maguire’s court, and we will have to wait and see what the England international decides regarding his future.