Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has thrown his full support behind centre-back Harry Maguire.
Carrick hopes the defender will extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond this summer. Maguire’s current deal is due to expire in June, yet there is growing confidence that fresh terms can be agreed.
“Harry’s had a great career so far, and hopefully there’s a lot more to come,” Carrick said (via Man United’s official website).
“He’s an impressive character. The experiences he’s had here and with England show exactly what he is.”
Described as the ‘ultimate team player‘, few Man United careers in the modern era have been as turbulent.
Since his £80million arrival in 2019, Maguire has been stripped of the captaincy, dropped, jeered by sections of supporters and linked with an Old Trafford exit.
Off-field issues have also cast long shadows, most notably his ongoing legal case in Greece. However, Maguire has remained available, professional and committed.
Carrick’s decision to reinstall him at the heart of a 4-2-3-1 system has proved pivotal.
After injury curtailed his involvement under Ruben Amorim and a brief spell on the bench during Darren Fletcher’s interim stint, Maguire has started all six matches since Carrick’s appointment.
United’s defensive solidity has noticeably improved.
He was instrumental again in Monday’s gritty 1-0 win at Everton, marshalling the back line through a late siege to secure three crucial points in the top-four race.
With the future of Casemiro also uncertain, Carrick is keen to retain leadership and experience. He sees both in Maguire.
The 64-cap England international has made 262 appearances for the Red Devils, winning two trophies within that period.
