MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United has confirmed plans to trigger a one-year extension for defender Harry Maguire, keeping him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2025-26 season, as stated by manager Ruben Amorim.

Following recent struggles, Amorim emphasized that the club is seeking to enhance its leadership on the pitch, stating, “When you look at our team we are starving for leaders on the pitch.” Maguire, who initially joined United from Leicester City in 2019, previously served as captain before losing the armband to Bruno Fernandes. Despite his downturn in form, Amorim believes in Maguire's potential to rise again, saying, “He has to improve as a leader” and highlighting the need for his contribution as United gears up for a key matchup against Liverpool.

In addition to Maguire’s extension, United is also close to finalizing a contract for winger Amad Diallo, who is reportedly nearing a new deal as well.

Facing a formidable Liverpool side, who lead the Premier League with only one defeat this season, United finds itself at a challenging juncture, currently positioned 14th and having lost five of their last six league games. Amorim remains hopeful, asserting, “Anything can happen in one game.” He expressed confidence in being able to improve the team's performance and rectify earlier mistakes ahead of the upcoming clash.

Maguire's recent performances have faced criticism, particularly following a lackluster showing against Newcastle, where defensive errors contributed to a disappointing loss. However, Amorim remains committed to bringing the best out of his players, underscoring the importance of resilience and progress on the field.