As reported by the Mirror on 9th October 2021, Manchester United are preparing to open new contract talks with skipper Harry Maguire. The Englishman’s current contract at Old Trafford runs until the summer of 2025, but United are ready to reward him with a brand new contract which would put him on the same pay scale as summer signings Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho. The improvement in terms comes as a result of Maguire’s ‘status in the dressing room’ at Old Trafford.
In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan said that the deal might turn out to be “massive” for the club as he and Raphael Varane could become “one of the best centre-back partnerships in the Premier League” in future.
“A new contract for him would be massive, he’s pivotal,” he told Football Insider.
“Just like Van Dijk, there are not many fantastic organising centre-halves around – and he’s one of them.
“He’s a winner, very dominant at the back, he’s a unit – like Van Dijk, he’s a real presence there.
“You need these players in your spine, and he’s one player that needs to build a rapport with Raphael Varane.
“If you get those two firing, you have one of the best centre-back partnerships in the Premier League.
“It’s about finding that consistency. Tying him down is crucial for Manchester United.”
Manchester United are also trying to negotiate with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba for contract extensions.
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Good Move For Both Parties?
Harry Maguire signed for Manchester United from Leicester City in the summer of 2019 for a fee for a record fee of £80 million. Since then, he has been a crucial part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans – consistently delivering match-winning performances at the heart of United’s defence. One might argue that he has his weaknesses that need to be worked upon, but he doesn’t get even a fraction of the respect he deserves.
Manchester United’s performance against Villarreal in the finals of UEFA Europa League 202-21 clearly highlighted the centre-back’s importance in the team. The Yellow Submarine dominated aerially, and there was nothing Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly could do to stop themselves from getting outplayed.
Lindelof’s inability to defend in high-pressure situations has often harmed Harry Maguire’s image as he is always blamed for United’s failure to secure clean sheets.
However, the arrival of Champions League-winning defender Raphael Varane might help the Red Devils establish a solid defensive partnership at the heart of the defence. Aged 28, the 39-times England international has a lot to offer and offering him an improved contract sounds just about right at the moment.
