Harry Maguire Defends Ruben Amorim: Deserves Praise for the Direction Manchester United is Going

Harry Maguire praises Ruben Amorim's quality when dealing with Manchester United (Instagram/@manutd).

Harry Maguire praised former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, saying the Portuguese coach had some great ideas and deserved credit for the direction the club has taken since then.

Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in early January 2026 before Darren Fletcher and then Michael Carrick took over as interim coach.

Carrick has made a significant improvement in performance as the team strives to secure a place in the Champions League for next season.

Maguire has also been full of praise for the work Carrick has done so far, including the smooth transition from a three-man backline to the ineffective four-man backline under Amorim.

"I don't have much bad to say about Ruben. I really like Ruben, I think he has great ideas."

"Those ideas alone didn't work out at Manchester United. I'm sure he will continue to progress and have a great career."

"At the next club, he will probably win a lot of matches. It didn't go according to plan or work. I think we as players also have to take full responsibility for that."

"However, I think he has led the club in the right direction. I think he deserves a lot of credit for that, which he has built a good and solid squad," said Maguire.

Maguire prefers a four-back formation because it allows him to be a more aggressive and attacking defender. While the change in formation makes midfielder Kobbie Mainoo return to the team.

The 20-year-old had until recently appeared more likely to be loaned out in January 2025 than to be ready to compete for a place in the England National Team for the 2026 World Cup.

However, he has now returned to the Three Lions squad after an 18-month absence. Maguire said of Mainoo, who is also in talks over a new contract.

"I'm sure there are areas he wants to improve. He can still improve because he's still very young, considering what he's been through."

"He's been through a lot in his short career, where he probably thought that he needed to get out and play some games."

"Coming back with the opportunity to be at the 2026 World Cup is a massive change for him," Maguire said.

Maguire is also confident of agreeing to a new contract with Manchester United, but the England defender stressed that he does not want to stay at the club just for sentimental reasons.

The 33-year-old has been a regular since Carrick took over in January 2026. The centre-back helped the team rise to third in the Premier League table and earn a call-up to the England squad.

Maguire was part of Thomas Tuchel's last squad before he made his choices for the 2026 World Cup. The defender's contract with Manchester United will expire in the middle of the world's biggest tournament.

"I think there have been talks (about a new contract). I think we will reach an agreement that is best for the club and me."

"I'm sure you'll find out what the deal is in the next few weeks. But, yeah, I think it will be sorted out soon, whether I stay or go. I think it will be - should be - sorted out pretty soon."

"Yes, I love this club. But it has to be right for me and it has to be right for the club. I don't want to stay because of sentimental value."

"I want to stay because I want to be there and the club wants me to continue to progress the club. They feel I have a big role in that."

"If that's the case, then I'm sure we'll sit down and come to an agreement," Maguire said.

Maguire added that he was willing to do whatever it took to help England win the 2026 World Cup, having feared his international career might be over as he awaited news of the decisive March 2026 training camp.

Tuchel continued to ignore him during the autumn, but the defender's impressive performances for a resurgent Manchester United have ended his 18-month exile in the Three Lions squad.

"I've played over 60 games for England, been to three major tournaments, but when you're in that moment and you're playing every game (for England), you don't want to say you take it for granted, but you're comfortable with the system."

"Then when it's suddenly taken away from you, it hurts. You see the team playing so well in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, they've done an amazing thing. So, yeah, it's an amazing feeling."

"To be honest, I know that if I wasn't in this camp, I don't think I would have come back to the England team with my performances and the way I play. I'm sure it's a high level. So, it was really amazing to receive that phone call," said Maguire.