Harry Maguire: Ruben Amorim merits ‘recognition’ for Manchester United’s trajectory
Harry Maguire has expressed admiration for former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, stating that the Portuguese coach had some “excellent ideas” and merits “recognition” for the club’s trajectory since his departure.
Amorim was dismissed by United in early January, after which Darren Fletcher and subsequently Michael Carrick took on interim roles, with Carrick overseeing a significant improvement in performance as the team aims for a Champions League position this season.
The defender has commended Carrick’s efforts thus far, particularly the “seamless” shift to a back four from a three-man defense that had been ineffective under Amorim.
“I don’t really have much negative to say about Ruben,” Maguire remarked ahead of Friday’s friendly against Uruguay. “I have a lot of respect for Ruben; I believe he has great concepts. The strategies just didn’t succeed at Manchester United.
“I am confident he will go on to have a remarkable career, and at his next club, he will likely achieve numerous victories.”
“It simply didn’t come together, and I think we as players must also accept a significant amount of responsibility for that.
“However, I believe he has guided the club in a positive direction — and I think he deserves considerable acknowledgment for that — as he has assembled a strong, reliable squad.”
Maguire favors a back four as it enables him to be a more proactive, assertive defender, while the formation change has allowed midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to rejoin the team.
The 20-year-old had recently seemed more likely to go out on loan in January than to be preparing for a chance at a World Cup position, but he has also returned to the England setup after an 18-month absence.
Maguire spoke highly of “magnificent” Mainoo, who is also in discussions regarding new terms: “I’m sure there are aspects he wishes to enhance and he still has room for growth, given his youth and the experiences he has faced.
“He has encountered a lot in his brief career, where he might be thinking, ‘I need to get out and play some matches.’
“To be back in contention for a World Cup spot is a fantastic turnaround for him.”
Maguire is optimistic about finalizing a new contract with United, but the England defender emphasized that he does not want to remain at the club solely for “sentimental” reasons.
The 33-year-old has been a consistent presence since Carrick took over in January, contributing to the team’s rise to third in the Premier League and earning an international recall in the process.
Maguire is part of Thomas Tuchel’s final squad before he makes his selections for the World Cup, during which his United contract is set to expire midway through the tournament.
“I believe there have been discussions [about a new contract],” Maguire stated. “I think we will come to an agreement that is beneficial for both the club and myself.
“What that agreement entails, I’m sure will be revealed in the coming weeks. But, yes, I believe it will be resolved sooner rather than later, whether I stay or depart. But I think it will — it should — be settled quite soon.”
When asked if United holds a special place in his heart, he replied: “Yes, I love this club. However, it must be right for me, and it must also be right for the club.
“I do not wish to remain for sentimental reasons. I want to stay because I want to be here and the club believes I can still contribute significantly to its progress.
“If that is the case, then I am confident we will sit down and reach an agreement.”
Maguire added that he is prepared to do whatever is necessary to assist England in winning the World Cup, having feared that his international career might be over as he awaited news about March’s crucial camp.
England manager Tuchel continued to overlook him during the autumn, but the defender’s impressive form for a revitalized United side has ended his 18 months away from international duty.
“I have played over 60 matches for England, participated in three major tournaments, but when you are in the moment and playing every game [for England], you don’t want to say you take it for granted, but you become accustomed to the environment,” Maguire noted.
“Then, when it is suddenly taken away from you, it is painful. You see the team performing exceptionally well in qualifying, and they have done remarkably, so, yes, it was an incredible feeling.
“I knew, to be honest, if I wasn’t in this camp, I don’t think I would have returned to the England setup given my form and how I have been playing, which I believe is at a high level, so it was fantastic to receive the call.”
