Ruben Amorim provides update on Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire contracts, explains star’s importance to the team

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Ruben Amorim has provided contract updates for two Manchester United stars ahead of Sunday’s match against Liverpool.

Manchester United players will be finding out whether they are part of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans over the coming months.

They’ll find out by either getting regular football, offered new deals or contract extensions.

Some players face uncertain futures, like Marcus Rashford, who has made it clear he is ready for a new challenge before being left out of the squad for four matches.

Other members of United’s first-team could see their contracts expire unless they’re sold in the meantime, including Christian Eriksen.

Ruben Amorim confirms Maguire extension and Amad update

Amorim has confirmed United have triggered a one-year extension to Harry Maguire’s contract.

The 31-year-old has been with United since his transfer from Leicester City in 2019.

This means his deal will now run until June 2026.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Maguire has made 222 appearances for United, scoring 12 goals and lifted two major trophies, including the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

The centre-back may have feared he’d slip down the pecking order following the signings of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, but he has played seven matches under Amorim so far.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday afternoon, Amorim confirmed the news of Maguire’s one-year contract extension and said Amad Diallo was closing in on a new deal in another boost for the club.

“Amad is near, Harry Maguire we are going to trigger our option,” Amorim said.

Amorim hails Maguire

After announcing that United would trigger Maguire’s extension clause, reporters were keen to ask about the defender’s importance to the team.

Amorim confirmed that he has spoken to Maguire about the need to improve on the pitch and as a leader. This means he has plans for the defender in his foreseeable plans – but it’s telling that Maguire isn’t being awarded with a long-term deal.

“I spoke with him [Harry] this morning and I told him he has to improve on the pitch, we need him a lot,” Amorim added.

“Also, he has to improve as a leader. We all know the situation that he had here but we need him a lot in this moment, so we are going to trigger, happily, the option for him.”

Asked if he is a key player, Ruben continued: “When you look at our team we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader, he has to improve that part, he has to improve his game, so we are happy to continue.”