Manchester United turned away several approaches for Harry Maguire this summer as Ruben Amorim felt his squad was “starved of leaders" - and the defender plans to go into coaching once his playing career is over
Harry Maguire of Manchester United looks on
Harry Maguire has his eyes set on a move into coaching once he's finished playing
(Image: Getty Images)
Harry Maguire insists it would be “silly” to quit Manchester United - and is eyeing a long-term role at Old Trafford.
England defender Maguire, 32, is a deep thinker on the game and has ambitions to move into coaching as his next career move. United had FIVE cast iron approaches to sign Maguire this summer but they were all knocked back and the centre-half was determined to stay at Old Trafford.
Maguire is highly thought of by the United hierarchy and Ruben Amorim triggered a one-year contract extension option because his squad was “starved of leaders.” Maguire is determined to carry on playing, ideally wants another two years at Old Trafford and United blocked approaches this summer because they wanted to keep the loyal defender.
Ex-Leicester defender Maguire hinted at his long-term ambitions to stay in the game and also believes United are on the right path this season under Amorim.
Maguire said: “I'm sure over the next few months we'll have to have a conversation about where we want to go and if they want to extend.
“Obviously, I have something in my mind about what I want to do and where I want to be. I don't want to put it out there to everybody but it's an amazing club to play for and you'd be silly if you wanted to jump out of it as soon as you could.
“The hierarchy has come in, with [technical director] Jason [Wilcox] and the manager, and I feel like they're taking it in the right direction.
"Since I started six years ago to now, it's in a completely different place in terms of the structure behind the management staff. We're in a good place. A lot better place.”
Arsenal's Gabriel (left) and Jurrien Timber (right) battle for the incoming ball with Manchester United's Harry Maguire (centre)
Manchester United didn't want to let a leader like Maguire leave this summer
Maguire joined United in 2019, has been a loyal servant and won trophies as well as establishing himself as a leader at the club with real potential to stay in the game.
He is intelligent, a mentor for young players and that is why he is being identified as having coaching potential. That must be a reason why Maguire - who signed a one-year extension last season - revealed that United dismissed any enquiries for him this summer.
Maguire added: “Last year, the clause was in their hands. There was no option for me there. There was no talking. It was just they activated it and it got extended.
"I'm pretty sure the club made it clear this summer that I can't leave on any terms. A a couple of clubs enquired and I think they got a quick response.”
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