‘Magnificent’ Man Utd ace has now ruled out mid-season exit – despite club having no plans to keep him long-term

Stretty News

·6 November 2024

‘Magnificent’ Man Utd ace has now ruled out mid-season exit – despite club having no plans to keep him long-term

When Ruben Amorim officially begins his tenure as Manchester United’s head coach next week, he’ll be granted time to consider which soon-to-be free agents he may want to keep at his disposal long-term.

While he won’t get the final say on the matter, Amorim’s opinions will certainly be taken on board by Dan Ashworth on Co.

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There are currently six players who could well leave Old Trafford in June 2025: Amad Diallo, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire. Amad and Maguire are the only two who have one-year options included in their terms.

United opted to activate the extra season clause for the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof but rebuffed the opportunity to do so with Anthony Martial this year. Even if the player in question isn’t seen as part of the club’s plans, it does protect their resale value.

Maguire eager to work under Amorim

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

If the board continue to stall on their decision, Amad and Maguire will be able to open talks with foreign clubs in January ahead of leaving as free agents in the summer.

Of the pair, you’d expect that Amad is almost certain to be kept, especially given that recent reports have suggested he’s in line for a bumper contract to keep him tied to M16 for the foreseeable future.

As for the centre-half, he has reportedly ruled out the prospect of a mid-season switch. According to TBR, Maguire – who ex-manager Erik ten Hag previously hailed as ‘magnificent’ – is adamant about proving himself under Amorim and is keen to see how he could fit into the 3-4-3 formation, having done so for England on numerous occasions.

The 31-year-old has, unfortunately, endured an injury-ridden few months. He was ruled out of the end of the 2023/2024 campaign, the FA Cup final, and the Euros before being cleared to feature at the beginning of 2024/2025. However, he sustained an issue against Aston Villa on October 6 and has yet to play since.