Michael Carrick has learnt all he needs to know about Harry Maguire from Sir Alex Ferguson | Football | Sport

Sir Alex Ferguson has already shared his views on Harry Maguire as Manchester United ponder offering the defender a fresh contract. The centre-half’s current deal runs out at the season’s end and while there have been encouraging signs regarding an extension at Old Trafford, no agreement has yet been reached.

The 33-year-old, who has spent much of the campaign recovering from injury on the sidelines, has emerged as an important figure since Michael Carrick took charge on an interim basis. Maguire has been free to hold discussions with rival clubs since January, rejecting interest from Brendan Rodgers’ new Saudi outfit, Al Qadsiah, and AC Milan earlier this year. The situation is complicated by uncertainty over who will manage the club next season.

Carrick remains a contender following an impressive start to his spell as interim boss, though United will have several alternatives in the summer, when numerous high-profile managers become available.

Maguire already counts Ferguson among his admirers at Old Trafford, with the legendary manager having rated the player since watching him represent Sheffield United in the FA Youth Cup. The teenage defender sustained concussion during that fixture against United’s youth side and required an overnight hospital stay.

However, his spirits were raised by an unexpected telephone call from Ferguson. During their discussion, he reportedly informed Maguire that he possessed the necessary qualities to reach the pinnacle of the game. He also said they would become far better acquainted in the years ahead.

In 2018, five years following his retirement from management, Ferguson once more expressed his views as United pursued Maguire’s signature after his impressive performances at the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.

The Scot was questioned about the competition to secure his services at the time and is understood to have said: “They should take the lad in the boardroom and not let him out until he’s signed!”

More recently, Maguire has faced different concerns after his assault and bribery conviction was upheld six years after his arrest in Greece. He has received a 15-month suspended sentence following a guilty ruling by the Greek courts.

Maguire faced charges of non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery stemming from an incident on the island of Mykonos in August 2020. Having been found guilty on all three counts, Maguire intends to appeal against the verdict, having consistently maintained his innocence.