It would be silly to leave Manchester United now - Harry Maguire

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has revealed that the club blocked any possibility of him leaving this summer, insisting he now feels settled and optimistic about the future under new leadership at Old Trafford.

United triggered a clause in Maguire’s contract back in January, extending his stay by a further year.

At the time, head coach Ruben Amorim said his squad was “starved of leaders”, underlining the 32-year-old’s value to the dressing room.

While such extensions are sometimes used to protect a player’s transfer value, Maguire stressed this was different.

“Last year, the clause was in their hands. There was no option for me there. There was no talking. It was just they activated it and it got extended,” he explained.

Maguire admitted there was interest from other clubs during the summer transfer window, but United’s hierarchy immediately shut down any potential exit.

“I’m pretty sure the club made it clear this summer that I can’t leave on any terms. A couple of clubs enquired and I think they got a quick response,” he said.

Two summers ago, Maguire rejected a move to West Ham after United had accepted a bid for him.

Now, with his future again under discussion, the England international admits he already has an idea of what he wants next.

“I’m sure over the next few months we’ll have to have a conversation about where we want to go and if they want to extend. Obviously, I have something in my mind about what I want to do and where I want to be,” he said.

Despite United suffering their worst league campaign since 1973-74 last season and opening the new one with a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal, Maguire is convinced the club is on the right track following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover.

“The hierarchy has come in, with [technical director] Jason [Wilcox] and the manager, and I feel like they’re taking it in the right direction,” Maguire noted.

He continued, “Since I started six years ago to now, it’s in a completely different place in terms of the structure behind the management staff. We’re in a good place. A lot better place.”

For now, Maguire is keeping his cards close regarding his long-term future, but he admits the stature of the club makes it hard to think about leaving.

“It’s an amazing club to play for and you’d be silly if you wanted to jump out of it as soon as you could,” he concluded.

Maguire will be playing an important role in Amorim’s team this season.