Amorim issues warning to Maguire as Man United extend defender's contract

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that the club will trigger a one-year extension to keep defender Harry Maguire at Old Trafford until 2026.

Maguire's current deal was set to expire at the end of this season, but Amorim revealed that he had spoken to the 31-year-old and informed him of the club's decision.

Amorim said: "I spoke with him this morning and I told him he has to improve on the pitch, we need him a lot. Also, he has to improve as a leader."

Amorim emphasised the importance of Maguire's leadership qualities, stating:

"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."

United are in 14th place and clear underdogs as they travel to Liverpool this Sunday.

While Amorim knows he has time on his side, he cannot afford to keep losing games in the interim.

Another defeat this weekend will make it five losses on the bounce, a situation that is less than ideal for the new manager.