United open contract talks with in-demand Anfield hero, he has made his demand to INEOS clear – report

Manchester United ended their nine-year wait for a win at Anfield with a 2-1 victory against Liverpool on Sunday.

Bryan Mbeumo got the ball rolling in the opening minute, and despite conceding the equaliser, the Red Devils battled hard to score the winner late on through Harry Maguire.

The centre-back has had quite the year, scoring the winner against Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League, and now at the home of the club’s fiercest rivals.

His contract is set to come to an end next summer, with INEOS open to offering him a new deal provided a lower wage packet can be agreed.

Harry Maguire new deal

Now, as per Talksport, the club has opened talks over a one-year extension. Discussions remain informal for the moment, with the 20-time English league champions preferring a short-term deal on lower wages.

As for the former skipper, he wants clarity before the winter window opens, after which he will be free to negotiate a pre-agreement with foreign clubs.

Apart from Saudi Pro League sides, Major League Soccer clubs have also expressed interest in the England international.

Harry Maguire would prefer to stay in Europe, in case an agreement cannot be found with the Old Trafford side.

“Manchester United have opened informal talks with Harry Maguire over a one-year extension, talkSPORT understands. Talks are yet to reach a formal stage but Maguire would prefer clarity before the January window opens, when he is eligible to sign a pre-agreement with an overseas club.

“Maguire is understood to be open to extending, but any new deal is expected to be short-term and require the 32-year-old to take a pay cut. The 32-year-old is currently one of the top five earners at Old Trafford on a wage of around £190k-per-week.

Interest from Saudi and MLS

“talkSPORT understands Maguire wants clarity sooner rather than later, allowing him to focus on his football as he bids to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in what will almost certainly be his last World Cup.

“Sources within United stress no decision on extending Maguire has yet been made, but it is likely a formal offer will be forthcoming.

“Maguire does not currently have concrete options away from Old Trafford. He has been on Saudi Arabia’s radar since 2023, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr showing some initial interest. MLS side New York Red Bulls have also held exploratory talks with Maguire’s camp.

“It’s believed Maguire is not currently sold on a move outside of England or Europe, still feeling there will be clubs in the big five leagues interested in his signature, including from within the Premier League.”

The new contract essentially means United can sell him for a small fee should the player want a new challenge. He certainly deserves to stay but Amorim is likely to want a new centre-back in his place.

Feature image Michael Reagan via Getty Images

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