Still Gray at Manchester United, This is the Future of Maguire-Casemiro

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim. (Manchester United)

JAKARTA - Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim said there was no decision yet regarding the future of Harry Maguire and Casemiro whose contracts will expire at the end of the season, as the club is still waiting for clarity on their position and targets in European competitions.

Quoting the club's official website in Jakarta, Friday, Maguire is currently under contract until the summer after the club activated a one-year extension option, while Casemiro's contract also expires in the same period with an additional option still available.

Even so, Amorim stressed that there was no decision regarding the continuation of the two at Old Trafford.

"No, there is no decision. We still have a lot to do," Amorim said at a news conference ahead of the match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

"We need to understand what will happen next season, because we have to know if we will play in European competitions or not."

The Portuguese coach confirmed that he was satisfied with the contributions of the two players so far this season, even though Maguire had to sit out due to injury. However, he considered it too early to determine the club's steps regarding their future.

"I'm very happy with them, but I don't know what will happen. We'll see until the end of the season, our position in the standings, then it will be decided," he said.

This situation emerged in the middle of a busy period for Manchester United, which also entered the January transfer window.

Several key players are still plagued by injuries such as Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Matthijs de Ligt, while Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui are defending their respective countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.

When asked if he would be disappointed if United did not sign any new players in the winter transfer window, Amorim insisted the club had a clear plan.

"No. Of course we are having difficulties at the moment, but the club has a plan," he said.

"If there is an opportunity to bring in a player who we believe will be the future of the club, he will come."

However, Amorim also opened up the possibility of maximizing existing resources. He named a number of young players as part of the short-term solution.

"If not, we've got Jack Fletcher, we've got Shea Lacey. In three weeks, Amad, Nous, Bryan, also Bruno and Kobbie will be back, so we'll see," he said.

According to Amorim, his main focus at the moment is to maximize the quality of the squad available, not just looking for instant solutions in the transfer market.

"When I look at this team, I feel that when the squad is complete, I should be able to get more quality out of this group," he said.

The 39-year-old coach also stressed that the club would not be hasty in making financial decisions. "If we can bring in a good player, we will do it in January. If not, we will spend the funds in the summer," Amorim concluded.