The world's most reviled defender has a history of great reversal, but there are positive signs of discussing renewal with Manchester United

Dec 16, 2024

Harry Maguire was going to stay at Manchester United.

Manchester United came from behind to win 2-1 in the 16th round of the English Premier League (EPL) in 2024-2025 season against Manchester City at 1:30 a.m. on the 16th (Korea time). With this win, Manchester United moved to 12th place.

On this day, Maguire stayed tight with Erling Holan, Manchester City's key striker. Whenever Manchester City sent a long pass directly to Holan due to the frustration of the build-up, Maguire read it first and blocked it. Holan, who was caught by Maguire, only shot once against Manchester United.

Maguire's playing time has been gradually increasing since manager Amorim was appointed. Maguire is showing stable defense this season even when coach Erik ten Hag was present.

Coach Amorim also told a press conference after the game that Maguire is the perfect defender when we use three backs. I think I'm doing better in the middle of 300. We have to go strong when Man City send a long pass towards the striker, but Maguire did it perfectly," he said in high praise.

Maguire also wanted to stay at Manchester United.

"I haven't thought much about the contract yet. This year, there is still time to choose a one-year extension. But all signs are positive. The conversation I'm having is going well, too"Conversations regarding renewing contracts with Manchester United are underway."

It's a reversal of life. Maguire joined Manchester United in the 2019-2020 season. At that time, Manchester United invested 87 million euros (about 113 billion won) to recruit Maguire, who was active in Leicester City. It was the highest transfer fee ever for a defender.

Maguire became the center of Manchester United's defense with a solid defense, even if not a crazy performance, and even served as captain. However, he received tremendous criticism as his defense suddenly declined from the 2021-2022 season, possibly due to overwork. It's Manchester United's captain because he showed several games that ruined the team. Even though he was a center back, he invested a huge transfer fee, so fans' standards for Maguire were inevitably high.

Manchester United fans also began to criticize Maguire, and Maguire became a player loved by no one. Under Erik ten Hag, he was pushed out of the starting lineup and had a difficult time. He has also moved away from the English national team.

Still, Maguire stood up little by little from the 2023-2024 season. There were not many business trips due to injuries, but they were solid on the field. The evidence is that he received the EPL Player of the Year Award in November 2023. Although Maguire set up an opportunity to turn the tables, Maguire was unstable, and there were even rumors of a transfer to West Ham United. Fans called for Maguire to be sold.

Maguire, who remains despite many rumors of a transfer, is proving his value again. With Manchester United having a one-year clause, Maguire's future is likely to be at Manchester United next season.

rlaeotlr2024@sportschosun.com

The world's most reviled defender has a history of great reversal, but there are positive signs of discussing renewal with Manchester United

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