HARRY MAGUIRE revealed he has held ‘positive’ talks with Manchester United about his future.
The former Red Devils captain is out of contract at the end of the season, though the club have an option to extend his stay by a year.
Maguire has struggled with injuries in recent months but his performances have improved, and he played 90 minutes in the derby win over Manchester City.
His future at Old Trafford is still unclear but Maguire said he has held positive talks with club chiefs.
He said: “I haven’t really thought about it. I’ve still got this year to go with an option in their hands.
“But, yeah, all the signs are positive at the moment and the chat that I’m having is really positive.”
Maguire appears to have turned a corner since being made available for transfer in the summer of 2023.
West Ham had a bid accepted for the centre-back but Maguire turned it down as he wanted to stay and fight for his place at United.
Maguire is now being picked by new boss Ruben Amorim, who has deployed a back three since taking the reigns.
Speaking of his adjusted role, Maguire added: “I’ve been injured when he first joined, so I’ve just got buy myself a bit of time and they’re looking after my minutes, so I haven’t been able to play back-to-back games yet.
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AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…
Andre Onana – 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13′ – 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90′ – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6
Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78′ – 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78′ – 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6
No time to have any influence on the game.
“Hopefully with 90 minutes under my belt for the first time in two, three months, really.
“It’s nice, it feels good. Obviously playing the back three, I’ve played in numerous times in my career – generally played on the left, but obviously playing in the middle at the moment.
“It feels good, we feel solid. There’s still, like I say, so much more improvement we need to do.”
Speaking of Amorim’s impact, Maguire continued: “I think you can see we have a good structure, a good style of play, the way that he wants us to work.
“But, yeah, I think his demands, he’s tactically very good. He’s proven that he’s a winner.
“And, look, we’re still pretty new. I think he’s been here a month now or so, and we’re really looking forward to where we can go and where we can take this club, and I’m sure he’ll take it in a positive way.”
