Manchester United confirmed Harry Maguire had agreed a contract extension on Tuesday morning committing him to the club until 2027
Amad was full of praise for Harry Maguire after the Manchester United defender agreed a new contract on Tuesday
Amad was full of praise for Harry Maguire after the Manchester United defender agreed a new contract on Tuesday(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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"My club," a proud Harry Maguire declared on social media after agreeing a new contract at Manchester United. The defender will remain with the Reds until 2027 and United hold the option to extend that deal by a further 12 months if they wish.
The announcement completed a superb turnaround for the defender who looked destined for the exit door at one stage. When Erik ten Hag decided to strip Maguire of the captain's armband in July 2023, a new contract could not have looked more unlikely. But credit to the 33-year-old, he has redeemed himself.
Since being unburdened by the armband, Maguire has enjoyed some of his best moments for the club. His late winner in the incredible 7-6 aggregate victory over Lyon created one of the greatest Old Trafford memories in the club's modern history. He added his name to United folklore further when his winner ended United's hoodoo at Liverpool.
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It was a fitting goal for a player who was not expected to be used as often as he has this season. Heading into this campaign, the expectation was for Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro to nail down the starting centre-back roles. Once Lisandro Martinez returned from injury, he would then play in rotation at the back.
As for Maguire, fourth or fifth choice, depending on Ayden Heaven's development, looked to be his destiny. And yet, due to injuries plaguing the defence - which Maguire was not immune from himself - the defender has become integral to this team; particularly since Michael Carrick's return.
Maguire has started every match of Carrick's tenure and while he will miss the Leeds game due to suspension, you would bet on him returning for the clash with Chelsea. Such importance to United earned him an England call-up for the March international break and while a ticket to the USA for the World Cup is not guaranteed, Thomas Tuchel's nod was indicative of how well he has been doing.
Despite all this, Maguire's new deal was not a certainty until recently. The centre-back was one of United's top earners and it is understood he needed to agree a wage cut to stay at Old Trafford.
He does not fit the model Ineos player either. United's co-owners want to shape a young squad with their careers ahead of them. Sign them cheap and either sell high or see them become club legends.
Maguire has no re-sale value now and is not the long-term future of the club. When he eventually leaves, United will not receive any of the £80m they splashed out on him.
But if his form from this season does not convince you he deserves a new deal, Amad's comments in Tuesday's press conference should have. "Harry has been a good captain, Bruno is the captain but he is one of them," the Ivorian replied when asked about Maguire's contract.
"He's a big leader, he talks to everyone, especially the young lads coming from the academy. It’s important for the team and we’re really happy for him.
"We want to have him here for many, many years at the club." United cannot transition to a team full of early 20s players with little to no experience, without players like Maguire remaining.
Having Maguire, who has overcome some of the biggest challenges an elite footballer can face, in the building to help guide younger players like Yoro, Heaven, Amad and countless others is so important. All the best clubs have leadership groups who set the standards.
During United's toughest periods, these leaders were absent. Maguire would admit he was not ready for the responsibility at that time.
But Amad's admission shows Maguire has matured into a role model for this inexperienced group. He can still play a crucial role in developing the young core of this team and being able to put in a shift when picked is merely a bonus.
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