Manchester United drew with West Ham in the Premier Leagueplaceholder image
Manchester United drew with West Ham in the Premier League | AFP via Getty Images
Man United are reportedly likely to extend one of their veteran’s contract ahead of the summer.
The Red Devils weren’t able to make it five wins in a row under Michael Carrick, as they rescued a 1-1 draw against West Ham on Tuesday night. It leaves Carrick’s side still in fourth, but they have been so much better under the new boss.
Having switched back to a more traditional back four, Carrick has ‘unlocked’ some players who were struggling in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. Kobbie Mainoo springs to mind as someone who’s clearly improved under Carrick, and his game time has improved, too.
However, the likes of Harry Maguire, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu have all shown signs of improvement too. With the World Cup coming up, Maguire will potentially be eyeing a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Man United ‘increasingly likely’ to keep Maguire
Maguire’s contract at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of the season, and so it is no surprise that several Premier League teams are circling to try and land him as a free agent in the summer. Both Chelsea and Everton have been mentioned as keen on the 32-year-old, but it seems he could stay with United.
According to the Daily Mail, Man United are ‘increasingly likely’ to keep Maguire, and sign a new contract extension for him to at least stay at the club for next season. He is currently on a wage of £180,000 per week, so would potentially need to take a pay-cut, but it is understood that Maguire is keen to remain at the club, especially if he keeps getting more regular game time.
Since Carrick came in, Maguire has been a regular starter at centre-back, and could be a useful veteran presence, heading into next season, either with Carrick in charge, or with a new manager beyond the World Cup.
Lineker hails “underrated” Maguire
Maguire has overcome a lot of criticism in his career, but despite that is still able to consistently perform for United and be a reliable option at the back. With his recent improved form, he could return to Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, especially with John Stones dealing with injury problems.
Former England striker Gary Lineker believes that Maguire is one of the most underrated footballers in the world. He said on the Rest is Football Podcast: “Do you know what I think about Harry Maguire? I think he’s one of the most underrated players in football.
“I know people have a pop at him, even people in the game have a pop at him. And I know that he can be turned by a striker with pace, but he makes up for it to a degree with his intelligence.”
Maguire has made 13 Premier League appearances this season, scoring one goal, which came against Liverpool in what was one of Amorim’s best moments in charge of the Red Devils.
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