Ruben Amorim builds new Man Utd around world record defender

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 17 Dec 2024 07:07 GMT
• 4 min read

Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim is planning to build his defence around Erik ten Hag-outcast Harry Maguire.

Maguire's future at Man Utd has been very much in doubt as his contract expires at the end of the season, and he fell down the centre back pecking order under former manager Ten Hag.

But the arrival of Amorim last month has given Maguire a lifeline, and he particularly impressed on Sunday during the 2-1 derby win over Man City at the Etihad.

Amorim plays a back three system - a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 - a formation that Maguire has played his best football in over recent years, particularly with the England national team.

And Amorim admitted after the game that Maguire is an important player for his formation.

"Maguire is perfect when you play with the three defenders," Amorim said.

"I think in the middle [he] is perfect. Then the way that the striker that they have [Erling Haaland] with the long balls, you need to be really strong and so was perfect for him. Not just Harry, all the guys, defend really well. They were really focused and that is the key to play better. I think he did a great job and also his team-mates did a great job.”

Maguire himself admitted at the end of the game that contract talks are now going "positively" and there is a growing feeling that the defender will be given a new contract and again be an important player.

This is some turnaround as it had initially been United’s intention to sell Maguire in January because he had been surplus to requirements under Ten Hag.

Despite paying €87 million to sign Maguire from Leicester five years ago, United had been ready to accept offers of just €12 million for the defender so desperate were they to sell him.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer news

United do have the option of extending Maguire’s contract by another year but originally were not keen to activate that clause.

United tried to sell Maguire this past summer but the player refused all offers.

They also were close to selling him in 2023 but a move to West Ham fell through when he wouldn’t take a pay cut.

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Maguire at Man Utd

Maguire joined from Leicester for a world-record fee for a defender of around €87 million in 2019.

After a decent first two seasons at the club, Maguire then endured three miserable years for Man Utd.

After an error-prone 2021-22 season, he finally lost his place in the first team during the 2022-23 campaign as manager Erik ten Hag preferred Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his centre back pairing.

Maguire also started the 2023-24 season down the pecking order but an injury crisis saw him return to the fold.

His form improved a touch but United still endured a disastrous season in the Premier League and Champions League, despite winning the FA Cup.

This season Maguire also struggled under Ten Hag before getting a new lease of life under Amorim.