Rio Ferdinand says Man Utd star has gone from ‘dead in the water’ to ‘playing free’ in Ruben Amorim’s side

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Manchester United may not have beaten Liverpool at the weekend but the team regained some vital self-respect.

Speaking after the game, captain Bruno Fernandes said he had finally delivered a performance to be proud of.

United’s 2-2 draw could quite easily have been even better, if Harry Maguire had scored a stoppage time opportunity after a pass from Joshua Zirkzee.

Maguire spoke out after the game to praise the improved performance level from the Red Devils, one he aims to replicate.

Rio Ferdinand praises Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire has been a key player for United recently, earning a contract extension, with United triggering his deal to 2026.

Speaking to his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand spoke out to praise the way Harry Maguire has fought back to earn his new deal, and a regular place under Ruben Amorim.

Ferdinand said: “That messaging, he’s [Amorim] getting a response from some players. Harry Maguire, he was dead in the water, surplus to requirements, gone.

“I think he’s had an element of luck, but he’s also had to really push himself to a good place.

“He’s got a manager playing three at the back, for Harry Maguire thats a dream, the spaces aren’t so big around him now. He’s got the job now, he’s got to stay in.

“Now he seems to be playing free, long may that continue.”

As Ferdinand points out, Ruben Amorim’s tactics do suit Harry Maguire. And also, being able to select three centre-backs gives Maguire a greater chance of getting into the team in the first place.

But Maguire has earned his deal, whereas one of his teammates looks a lot closer to the exit.

Victor Lindelof exit looks inevitable

Unlike the rejuvenated Maguire, Victor Lindelof’s career really does look ‘dead in the water’ at Manchester United.

Lindelof suffered an injury in the Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham, and has been out ever since.

Not many Manchester United fans have really noticed. Lindelof has been a non-factor for most of the season.

Like Maguire, his contract was due to expire in June. United have acted quickly to hand an extension to the England defender.

The situation with Lindelof is silent, which speaks volumes, with his deal likely to be allowed to run down.