Harry Maguire believes former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim deserves “credit” for his time at the club, noting that Portuguese boss had some “great ideas”.
Manchester United sacked Amorim in early January before Darren Fletcher and then Michael Carrick took charge in interim roles. The arrival of Carrick have witnessed a great turnaround, with United now pushing for a Champions League spot this season.
And the defender is full of praise for the work done by Carrick so far, including the “smooth” transition to a back four from a three that had not worked effectively under Amorim.
“I don’t really have much bad to say about Ruben,” Maguire said ahead of Friday’s friendly against Uruguay. “I really like Ruben, I think he’s got great ideas. The ideas just didn’t work at Manchester United.
“I do believe he’ll go on and have an amazing career and his next club he’ll probably go and win many, many football matches.
“It just didn’t click or work and I think us as players have got to take a lot of responsibility for that as well.
“But I think he has led the club in a direction — and I do think he deserves a lot of credit for that — where he’s built a good, solid squad.”
Ruben Amorim was sacked as Manchester United manager in January 2026. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images)
Maguire who prefers a back four also heaped praise on midfielder Kobbie Mainoo who got another chance to explore under Carrick.
The 20-year-old had until recently looked more likely to head out on loan in January, but the arrival of Carrick changed his fortune. He has now return to the England set-up after 18 months away, and could be at the World Cup.
Maguire said of “magnificent” Mainoo, who is also in talks over new terms: “I’m sure there are areas that he wants to improve and he still can improve, because he’s so young, really, for what he’s been through.
“He’s been through a lot in his short career where he’s probably thinking, ‘I need to get out and go and play some games’.
“To be back in with a chance of being at a World Cup is a great turnaround for him.”
Maguire has also benefitted from the arrival of Carrick. He is part of Thomas Tuchel’s final squad before he makes his selection for the World Cup, where his United contract is due to expire midway through the tournament.
“I think there’s been talks [over a new contract],” Maguire said. “I think we’ll reach an agreement where it’s best for the club and myself.
“What that agreement is, I’m sure you’ll find out over the next few weeks. But, yeah, I think it’ll get sorted sooner rather than later, whether I stay or leave. But I think it will — it should — get sorted pretty soon.”
