One Manchester United star's career appeared to be over around this time last year, but the player has managed to turn his fortunes around since Ruben Amorim took over
Harry Maguire of Manchester United speaks during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 training and press conference at Carrington Training Ground
Rio Ferdinand has praised Man United defender Harry Maguire for turning his career around under Ruben Amorim
(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Old Trafford icon Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Harry Maguire, saying he "rose from the dead" under Ruben Amorim. The experienced defender joined Manchester United back in 2019, but his time in Manchester has not exactly been smooth.
Maguire was a significant factor in the club's eighth-place Premier League finish under Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 season. Consequently, the 32-year-old faced a barrage of criticism for his on-field performances from supporters, pundits and former club greats alike.
Maguire found himself sidelined under Ten Hag, at one point seemingly deemed unnecessary by the Dutchman. However, the Sheffield-born star managed to claw his way back into the squad and deliver some remarkable individual displays despite United ending last season 15th in the league.
As a result, it seems Maguire is now part of Amorim's plans for the upcoming season. Although his contract expires next summer, and despite interest from three Premier League clubs and two Italian teams, it appears increasingly likely Maguire will remain at United.
All five transfer enquiries were ultimately rebuffed by United, according to The Daily Mail. It is reported Maguire is eager to sign another extension, which could see him retire at Old Trafford. While the club are believed to be in agreement with that line of thinking, no formal discussions have commenced as yet.
Speaking about Maguire's career revival on his Rio Presents podcast alongside Joel Beya, Ferdinand was swift to commend the player's character and determination. That's despite facing scrutiny from football figures far and wide, including Ferdinand himself.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates winning the Summer Series league after the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and Everton
Maguire is hopeful of extending his stay at Old Trafford despite having just a year left on his deal
"I ain't got that bad energy energy for players or for the club, I want them to do well," said the ex-England defender. "But if they don't play well, I'm gonna say what I see, and I had that discussion with Harry Maguire.
"We had the tough questions like that, 'What's it like you having criticism?' And someone who [has] risen from the dead almost, shown character. He was down and out, but he's come back. So to show that character and resilience, it was nice to just get beneath the skin and talk with him about it."
Maguire's choice to stay at Old Trafford last summer despite Ten Hag's stance has clearly reaped rewards. Amorim has subsequently discovered a place in the squad for the former club skipper, granting him a one-year contract extension in January.
Beyond that, Amorim has also incorporated Maguire into a six-man leadership collective alongside Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Tom Heaton, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui as he seeks to harness the transfer of knowledge from experienced players to younger squad members.
Rio Ferdinand speaks on his podcast
Ferdinand had some frank discussions with Maguire regarding his faltering form
Speaking about the group, Amorim said: "We have a leadership group now. It's not just Bruno. It's not just Harry. It's six guys. They are responsible for the group. There are some things that in the last year I had to deal with and I said to them this season, you deal with that.
"Small issues are with you guys. You're responsible. All these small changes, but I think it's helping the group. We have Bruno, we have Harry, Licha [Martinez], Diogo, Tom and Nous."
Maguire has also impressed during United's pre-season tour of the United States, featuring in the team's 4-1 victory against Bournemouth in the Premier League Summer Series. It remains to be seen whether he will be selected when United take on Fiorentina in their final pre-season friendly at Old Trafford on Saturday, which will also mean a reunion with David De Gea.
Their Premier League campaign kicks off the following Sunday (Aug 17) with a clash against Arsenal. Maguire could come up against former Red Devils target Viktor Gyokeres, whom Amorim is familiar with from their time together at Sporting CP.