Manchester United have undergone a lot of change this year already, but it’s all been for the best as Michael Carrick reaps the rewards.
Harry Maguire has been at Manchester United long enough to see three permanent managers and five interims, but never has he been as enthusiastic as now.
Earlier this month, Maguire spoke fondly of Steve Holland, who is Michael Carrick’s assistant. He also praised Carrick back before the derby win.
Maguire has been ever-present for Carrick, shining in every game, looking at his very best.
Now, Maguire has praised two other aspects of Carrick’s team for the impact they may have on Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.
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Harry Maguire praises Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans
Carrick brought his own coaching staff, with two names being former Premier League defenders.
Jonny Evans only retired from United last summer, while the second is Jonathan Woodgate, formerly of Leeds and Real Madrid.
Discussing the pair of defensive-minded coaches with club media, Maguire praised their impact on the younger defenders, but also himself.
“He was a fantastic player. Coaching [here], he’s come in and been refreshing. He brings great energy to the group, to the sessions”, Maguire admitted about Woodgate.
“Obviously, he’s been a centre-back himself, and he’s giving me tips, and he’s definitely going to work a lot with the younger centre-backs, with Leny [Yoro], Ayden [Heaven], and Tyler [Fredricson].
“But, of course, even senior players like myself and Licha [Lisandro Martinez], we can learn from him. He’s brought great ideas, and I’ve been really impressed.”
Carrick has favoured Maguire over the two younger defenders, but work is ongoing under Evans and Woodgate to help them unseat the number five.
He then discussed Evans’s impact as well.
“Jonny is great to have around,” Maguire adds. “The way that he handles himself and the responsibility that he took on his shoulders when he was a player, he can take that on to coaching as well.
“Just little things like in the session the other day, I was finished and was walking in and could see that Jonny was doing extra work with Leny and Ayden. Things like that, as a young boy coming through and playing on the biggest stage, sometimes you have to learn and adapt on the pitch and on the stage, but you also can’t forget that you need to improve and you need to work.
“These are young, talented centre-backs and to have Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans coaching them now and giving them little tips, it’s fantastic for them.”
Should Harry Maguire get a contract extension beyond the 2025/26 season?
Carrick should start Leny Yoro against Tottenham
Maguire has been excellent since Carrick arrived as head coach, but at some stage, United need to get Yoro’s season back on track.
Yoro started off his 2025/26 campaign really well; however, he did hit a mid-season slump and hasn’t had a chance to bounce back.
This should change against Spurs, with Yoro better suited to defending Thomas Frank’s dynamic and quick front line.
Yoro needs football to develop, and if he is to be the future of the club, then he needs to be playing. So, either against Spurs or next Tuesday against West Ham, United need to give the Frenchman some minutes.
Hopefully, the tutelage of Evans and Woodgate has proved beneficial.
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