Despite significant strengthening in the summer, Manchester United’s defence has continued to leak goals while also being unable to hold on to a lead in multiple games.
That was the case on Sunday as well as Chelsea grabbed the equaliser within five minutes of United taking the lead. And there will certainly be changes in the backline once Ruben Amorim steps into the hot seat.
One of the biggest differences from the Erik ten Hag era will be the formation with the Sporting Lisbon manager preferring to utilise a three-man defensive line.
And this shift could potentially work out in favour of a United star who seemed to be heading out of the exit door when the former Ajax coach was in charge.
Maguire’s future
Harry Maguire was no longer first choice when the Dutchman took over and the club had tried to sell him for the last two summers in a row.
As per TBR Football, the England international, who is currently injured, is keen to impress the Portuguese tactician and he believes that he could even extend his stay at the club despite his current deal ending in 2025.
Maguire has played some of his best football in a back-three system for England and also has experience of playing there during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign.
The club has the option of triggering the one-year extension in his contract and the £80 million star is confident that the club will exercise that option.
That is why the Englishman has no interest in leaving in January on a cut-price fee or in agreeing any pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs despite that route being available.
“At Sporting CP, Amorim has favoured a 3-4-3, which could be excellent news for Harry Maguire’s hopes of reviving his United career.
Maguire keen to stay
“To that end, TBR Football understands that Maguire will refuse to consider leaving the club in January or signing a pre-contract elsewhere in the near future.
“The England international is currently focused on staying at United and Maguire believes that he can win an extension to his deal in the coming months.”
While United have not expressed any interest in retaining the 31-year-old, Amorim will have a say in contract extensions and if Maguire impresses, there is no reason why he cannot extend his stay.
His lack of pace can be covered in a back three system while his excellent ball distribution and carrying skills can make him an effective outlet while playing out from the back.
Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
