Harry Maguire is officially in the final five months of his Manchester United career, yet the experienced defender remains determined to extend his stay at Old Trafford. The board remains at a standstill.
Michael Carrick enjoyed a perfect start to life as Manchester United head coach.
The 44-year-old had between Wednesday and Saturday afternoon to prepare for his first game, the 198th Manchester derby, as United beat City 2-0 at Old Trafford.
That means Carrick had just three days on the training ground with the team, but he was also boosted by Harry Maguire’s availability.
Maguire has been a big loss for United in recent months due to injury, but his return for the derby gave the Red Devils an edge over their rivals.
HOW will Harry Maguire be remembered at Manchester United?💥
Harry Maguire celebrates scoring for Manchester United.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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It was telling how quickly Maguire was brought back into the line-up by Carrick, partnering Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence. They both performed brilliantly and had a huge influence on the game, ensuring that Senne Lammens kept a clean sheet.
Over the coming weeks, Carrick should aim to settle on his back four, with Maguire and Martinez staking early claims to form a partnership at centre-back.
Harry Maguire celebrates Manchester derby win
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Man Utd make Harry Maguire wait for contract decision
Maguire has had a rollercoaster ride as a United player as he approaches his seventh anniversary at Old Trafford.
However, there are doubts over whether Maguire will still be at United in August because his contract is set to expire before then.
That means it could be Maguire’s final season at United, even if Carrick opts for the experienced England centre-back over the likes of Ayden Heaven, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro for the remainder of the campaign.
Respected journalist Laurie Whitwell, who is a reliable source for United news, has stressed that Maguire wants to remain at the club beyond this season.
Maguire can speak to foreign clubs now, but he is set to focus on United until the end of the season, which is when Whitwell believes a decision will be made by the board.
“Maguire would like to stay,” Whitwell said on the United United United podcast.
“He can speak to foreign clubs now. United have already triggered his plus one last summer, so it would be renegotiating at a lower wage.
“I could see that one maybe happening. He’s got a special skill set within the squad, with set pieces being a big thing, and he’s hugely important in both boxes in that regard.
“I would imagine they could come around the table on that one. I think they will wait until the end of the season.”
HOW did Harry Maguire miss this?
What a moment this would have been!
Harry Maguires misses from close range
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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Harry Maguire earns high praise from Alan Shearer
Maguire was one of five United players to make Alan Shearer’s Premier League team of the week.
The others include Martinez, Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, and Bryan Mbeumo following United’s derby win.
Speaking to the Premier League about Maguire’s performance, Shearer said: “After being out for so long, he was immense.”
Hopefully, Maguire can contribute to another clean sheet when United travel to Arsenal on Sunday.
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