Harry Maguire: Manchester United defender signs new one-year deal at Old Trafford | Soccer News

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has signed a new one-year contract at Old Trafford, with the added option of a further 12 months.

The 33-year-old’s previous Man Utd deal was due to expire at the end of the season, but he will now extend his Old Trafford stay to an eighth campaign.

Maguire believes Man Utd are “on a forward curve” and said he wants to be part of a special campaign next season.

“It’s unbelievable,” Maguire said in a club interview. “Obviously this is my seventh year. To be at this club, to play for this club for one game is really special. So, to be here for seven years – it’s going to be eight – I’m really looking forward to it.

“A big, strong finish to the season is the focus now, to put us in a strong position going into next year, and then we have to make next year much better and much more positive and much more special. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Maguire has been an ever-present for United since Michael Carrick took charge, helping the club climb to third in the Premier League, and his recent form earned him an England recall last month – his first international appearances in 18 months.

A return to the Champions League is now the clear goal for United. It remains to be seen whether Carrick remains in charge beyond the end of the season, but Maguire is convinced United have turned the corner.

He said: “I feel like we’re in a good place at the moment. I believe we’re on a forward curve with the club, and I want to be a part of that.

“I want to leave the club in a good place, when I leave the club, and that’s the most important thing. It’s not about me, it’s not about individuals. It’s about the team and the club, and wanting to leave the club in a good place.

“I feel like next season could be a special year, if we keep working hard, if we recruit well in the summer. It’s a big summer coming up, but like I said, focus on this year to make sure we’re in a good position for next year and then make next year a special year.”

Maguire: You can feel ambition and potential from the team

Maguire’s new contract comes after he earned an England recall for the March fixtures and appeared in both games, raising hopes of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

Maguire has started every game since Michael Carrick took charge in January and has helped Man Utd’s considerable upswing, losing just one of 10 games.

Maguire said: “To represent Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It’s a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every day.

“I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more great moments together.

“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the club to fight for major trophies is clear for all to see and I am confident that our best moments together are ahead of us.”

Maguire’s new deal will take him into an eighth season at Man Utd, having joined from Leicester in August 2019 for £80m, which remains a world record fee for a defender.

The former Hull defender won the FA Cup and League Cup in his seven years at Old Trafford, where he made 266 appearances in all competitions and scored 17 goals.

Director of Football Jason Wilcox added: “Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United. He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad.

“Harry, like everyone at the club, is absolutely committed to helping Manchester United achieve regular and sustained success.”

Kobbie Mainoo are also close to agreeing a new deal at Old Trafford, which will include a significant pay rise.

The proposal for the 20-year-old is a five-year deal that runs until 2031. United are keen for their new deal to better reflect their progress and current status in the first team.

His current contract was signed in 2023 when he was still 17.

Carrick: Maguire knows what it’s about – he’s been fantastic since I came back

Man Utd boss Michael Carrick on Sky Sports:

“We’re delighted Harry has agreed. Stability and consistency, he’s important and he’s been through everything at this club. He knows what it’s about. He’s been tremendous since I’ve come back. Credit to him for that.

“Experience is important. We have a very good mix in the group of some talented and high-ability younger players. You have a good number in the peak years.

“Harry’s at that stage where he’s a bit further down the line in terms of career. But that doesn’t diminish the importance of what he can be, the example and the understanding, knowing what it feels like to be here. To have him for longer is fantastic for all of us.

“I was part of discussions. It’s a little bit unique in terms of the end of the season. In terms of an opinion, I think it’s pretty clear how Harry was and what he brings to the group. It wasn’t a difficult decision. Everyone who’s part of it is delighted that it worked out and worked out so quickly.”

Analysis: Maguire may have moved on without Carrick appointment

Sky Sports News’ Danyal Khan:

Harry Maguire became a cult hero at Manchester United.

It can be easy to forget the journey Maguire has been on at the club since signing for £80m in August 2019, which remains a world record fee for a defender.

He was appointed captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer quickly after his arrival at United, but then he felt just as quickly stripped of that same captaincy by Erik ten Hag, who preferred Bruno Fernandes.

After a strong start to his United career, Maguire had to fight back. Not only to win the approval of his manager of his time, but also the crowd he played in front of.

Whether booed on a Manchester United pre-season tour in Melbourne or on England duty in Ireland – Maguire could have taken the easy way out.

He could have left in the summer of 2023 with West Ham hotly chasing him, but he decided to stay and fight for his place.

His last 18 months perhaps defined his United career. Adapted and impressed in a system that was flawed under Ruben Amorim, but still created moments that United fans won’t forget for a long time.

Whether it was the late extra-time winner against Lyon in the Europa League at Old Trafford to secure a 7-6 aggregate win last season, or Maguire finding himself Ronaldinho-like on the right wing in Bilbao a few rounds later – his cross largely produced the first goal of an impressive away display for United.

Fast forward to this season, his winner against Liverpool United sealed their first win at Anfield since 2016.

Since Carrick’s arrival in January, Maguire has started every game – including two monumental performances in back-to-back wins against Manchester City and Arsenal.

It’s fair to say the centre-back’s future may have been much more uncertain under Amorim and some of the ways looked more likely, but since Carrick’s return to the club – he has repeatedly insisted on it, stressing the importance of Maguire’s experience and leadership.

Seemingly two qualities this United cannot lose if they are to continue to build on next season, and for Maguire it is another chapter in a fascinating career – one, whenever it ends at Old Trafford, will be full of admiration from those inside and outside Old Trafford.