"Pretty soon": Man Utd star now confirms he is close to signing new contract
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has acknowledged that he is close to penning a new contract after his impressive form under manager Michael Carrick this year.
Maguire had a tough first half of the season after an untimely injury. His return coincided with the Red Devils parting ways with manager Ruben Amorim in early January.
The centre-back has since been a mainstay in the heart of the defence. Despite the change of partners, the Englishman has hardly put a foot wrong, barring his unfortunate red card at Bournemouth.
Hence, the 33-year-old is unsurprisingly back in the England squad. Speaking to The Guardian, Maguire has basically confirmed that he is on the verge of extending his United contract beyond the summer.
He said: “What the agreement is, I’m sure you’ll find out over the next few weeks. I think it will, it should, get sorted pretty soon.”
The experienced defender added that Michael Carrick should be right in the mix for the permanent manager role if the Red Devils finish the league season on a strong note.
He added: “We’ve got to finish strong and I think he should go right into the mix of the other candidates [for the permanent job] and let the process begin. I’m sure it will do and I’m sure it’s going to be a thorough process.”
Maguire deserves new contract after sublime turnaround
The centre-back became a key player under Amorim during the back end of last season. He figured in the middle of the back three and caught the eye with his strong presence in ground and aerial duels.
Despite this, Maguire has personally admitted that he prefers to play in a back four, given his aggressive style of play. He has proved himself with his performances under Carrick’s tutelage.
Maguire was initially paired up with Lisandro Martinez last winter. He played as a right centre-back. He moved to the opposite end with Martinez’s injury paving the way for Leny Yoro’s return.
The former United captain has been a leader in the club’s defence. There was criticism from some of the club’s faithful, and he has won them over with his showing over the past two months.
Maguire currently earns a basic salary of £190,000 per week and may have to accept a pay cut for a renewal. Meanwhile, Carrick looks like a strong frontrunner for the permanent managerial role.
United are seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea in the league. A top-five finish guarantees Champions League football, which should hand Carrick the permanent position.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .