Manchester United Secure Harry Maguire's Contract Extension Amidst Leadership Drought on the Pitch

Head coach Ruben Amorim has officially announced that Manchester United has activated a one-year extension to Harry Maguire's contract. The experienced 31-year-old defender, who made the switch from Leicester City in 2019, was initially set to become a free agent this summer. However, his contract will now remain in effect until June 2026. Maguire has been a stalwart for the Red Devils, amassing 222 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and securing two major trophies: the 2023 Carabao Cup and the 2024 Emirates FA Cup. Looking ahead, the ambitious centre-back is determined to continue his success at Manchester United and strive for even more accomplishments in the seasons to come.

Speaking in a press conference to preview Sunday's Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield, Amorim confirmed the news of Harry's one-year contract extension to reporters. Ruben also admitted another player is close to signing fresh terms.

"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. 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."

Harry has played seven matches under Ruben so far and his ability to play in a back three - a formation he has experienced regularly with England - has allowed him to impress, most notably in the recent 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. He has also worn the captain's armband in Bruno Fernandes's absence.

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Asked if he is a key player, Ruben continued: "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."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)