Man United accelerate Harry Maguire contract talks despite ‘crazy’ Bournemouth red card
Manchester United are accelerating contract talks with Harry Maguire ahead of the end of the season as he remains a crucial part of Michael Carrick’s squad.
The 33-year-old’s current contract is set to expire at the end of June, but neither him nor the club have any intention of letting his deal run down.
This comes despite his late red card and penalty giveaway against Bournemouth which cost his side the win when he shoved Evanilson over in the box.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that, despite the “crazy” sending-off, Maguire’s performances have earned him a new contract.
After establishing himself as a key man under Carrick, the club have been left with “no choice” but to extend his deal ahead of a busy transfer window for Man United.
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VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBMan United accelerating Harry Maguire contract talks
Brown told Football Insider on 20 January that Man United should extend Maguire’s contract both for the benefit of the starting XI and his younger teammates.
The defender’s experience and leadership qualities are a big part of what has made him such a key player for United, while his defensive assets have been important under Carrick.
| Harry Maguire | Stats Under Michael Carrick |
| Appearances | 10 |
| Starts | 10 |
| Minutes Played | 861 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
| Red Cards | 1 |
The interim boss’ arrival to replace Ruben Amorim has kickstarted Maguire’s Old Trafford career and they are now keen to keep him on long-term.
“Man United are stepping up their talks with Maguire,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I’ve said right from the start, we’ve spoken about it a few times, they have to be doing everything in their power to keep him at the club beyond this summer.
“He’s proving how important he can be for Michael Carrick, despite that crazy decision against Bournemouth, and it would be a major blow to lose him.
“Especially on a free transfer, it would be silly for them to let him leave like that.
“So they have no choice really with the performances he’s been putting in this season, it makes sense to extend his stay as an important part of the side.
“There was never really a feeling that either wanted him to leave at the end of the season, and now they’re working to keep him on a new deal.”
Which clubs are interested in signing Maguire?
Despite United pushing to agree terms with the England international and talks progressing well, a number of clubs have been keeping a close eye on the situation.
Brown told Football Insider in January that Everton are keeping tabs on Maguire in case he becomes available on a free transfer this summer.
David Moyes was keen to bring the England international to the London Stadium during his time at West Ham, and could now revisit the opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Hammers have been linked with a move to reignite their interest in Maguire after having missed out during Moyes’ tenure.
They are keen to strengthen at the back if they can secure survival in the Premier League, and landing the Man United star on a free transfer would be a good move.
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