Man Utd make Harry Maguire contract decision as £80m defender speaks out about future | Football | Sport

Harry Maguire confirmed that he is holding positive discussions with Manchester United over a new contract after his starring role in Sunday’s derby day win against Manchester City. The defender’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, although the club have an option to extend it by 12 months.

However, he could be in line for fresh terms after Ruben Amorim described him as “perfect” following the dramatic 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Maguire had a starring role in the triumph, featuring at the heart of Amorim’s back three in between Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.

The 31-year-old dominated Erling Haaland and offered optimism that he could battle his way into another manager’s plans.

His future at Old Trafford is uncertain as he is one of several first-team players who are out of contract next summer.

Maguire joins Amad, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton in the final year of his current deal.

However, United No. 5 has revealed that while he isn’t giving much thought to his future at this stage of the campaign, he is in active talks over an extension.

“Listen, I haven’t really thought about it. I’ve still got this year to go with an option in their hands,” Maguire explained after full-time at the Etihad.

“But, yeah, talks are ongoing, and all the signs are positive at the moment. The chat that I’m having is really positive.”

Maguire has been linked with a United exit in the past few summer transfer windows, having fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag.

He almost joined West Ham United in a £30million deal last year but couldn’t agree a settlement figure with the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought Maguire to M16 from Leicester City in 2019, splashing £80m to make him the world’s most expensive defender.

Five years on, that’s a record he still holds, and while he hasn’t fulfilled the near-impossible task of repaying that transfer fee, Maguire offers Amorim a strong squad option.

The Portuguese tactician also has Leny Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez, Lindelof and Evans to choose from in his back three.

Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui has proven capable of operating as one of the wide centre-backs. Luke Shaw also has experience in the role.

But more starts could be on the horizon for Maguire after his indelible contribution to one of United’s great derby successes.