Manchester United trigger one-year extension in 31-year-old star’s contract to squash exit speculation: Reports

Manchester United have triggered a one-year extension in Harry Maguire's contract, head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed. The English defender's contract with the Red Devils was previously set to expire at the end of this season.

However, Maguire will now stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2026. The 31-year-old has been a controversial figure since arriving at the club in the summer of 2019.

Manchester United reportedly paid Leicester City a world-record £80m for the Englishman, but he has divided opinion among fans so far. The Englishman has been in and out of the starting XI under Amorim, but has impressed at the heart of the Portuguese's back three.

Speaking to the press, as cited by the club's website, Amorim outlined why the Red Devils decided to extend Maguire's stay.

“Amad is near, Harry Maguire we are going to trigger our option. I spoke with him [Harry] this morning and I told him he has to improve on the pitch, we need him a lot," said Amorim.

He continued:

“Also, he has to improve as a leader. We all know the situation that he had here but we need him a lot in this moment, so we are going to trigger, happily, the option for him.”

He concluded:

“When you look at our team we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader, he has to improve that part, he has to improve his game, so we are happy to continue.”

Maguire has registered 16 appearances across competitions for Manchester United this season, even chipping in with one goal.

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How many trophies has Harry Maguire won with Manchester United?

Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire has won two trophies with Manchester United so far. The Englishman lifted the EFL Cup in the 2022/23 campaign, under Erik ten Hag.

Maguire also won the FA Cup last year, although he missed the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the final. He has registered 222 appearances for the Red Devils so far, scoring 12 goals and setting up seven more.

While his future has remained up in the air for a while, Ruben Amorim has opted to keep him in the squad for now.

Manchester United have struggled under the Portuguese head coach so far and are 14th in the league table after 19 games this season. They have lost the last four games across competitions and next face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, January 5.