CL qualification could determine whether Man Utd star stays beyond 25/26, despite Amorim thinking he’s ‘perfect’

Manchester United are mulling over whether Harry Maguire should be offered a new short-term contract.As things stand, the centre-half will call time on his Red Devils career after seven years, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.It’s thought that talks have been underway between Maguire and the United board over fresh terms for several weeks now. However, their ‘final offer’ is likely to depend on a handful of factors, including whether or not the Reds secure Champions League qualification, as per Ben Jacobs.What United are likely thinking about Maguire behind the scenes (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Rather than tying down the ageing defender to a lengthy agreement, he may be offered to stay put at Old Trafford for another year, or a season plus the option of an additional 12 months, which will give United more control over the situation.A year option might be beneficial if Maguire oversees a particularly injury-ridden campaign in 2026/2027, as he’s already struggled with a handful of setbacks since the current term got underway.The 32-year-old sustained a knock following last month’s triumph at Anfield, during which his late goalscoring heroics led to United claiming their first win at their arch-rivals’ ground in nine-and-a-half years.Then, when he made his return against Tottenham Hotspur before the international break, Maguire was forced off in the second half with an apparent hamstring injury.Maguire ranks high in his manager’s estimations(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)One thing’s for sure, though: he certainly has an admirer in Ruben Amorim.“Maguire is perfect when you play with three defenders,” said Amorim after last season’s Manchester derby win at the Etihad. “He is perfect in the middle.”As well as the England international, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Tom Heaton are also in the final seven months of their contracts.