Harry Maguire wants to make next season special after extending his Man Utd stay

By Ian Parker, Press Association

Harry Maguire believes Manchester United are “in a forward curve” and said he wants to be part of a special campaign next season after signing a new deal to stay at Old Trafford beyond this summer.

The 33-year-old has agreed a new one-year contract with the option of a further season, having been in the final months of his existing deal.

It will see the England defender, who joined from Leicester in an £80million deal in 2019, extend his United stay into an eighth campaign, having already made 266 appearances for the club and lifted both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

“It’s amazing,” Maguire said on the club website. “Obviously, it’s my seventh year. To be at this club, to play for this club for one game is really special. So, to be here seven years – it’s going to be eight – I’m really looking forward to it.

“A big, strong end to the season is the focus now, to put us in a strong position going into next year, and then we’ve got to make next year a lot better and a lot more positive and a lot more special. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Maguire has been ever-present for United since Michael Carrick took charge, helping the club rise to third in the Premier League, and his recent form earned him an England recall last month – his first international appearances in 18 months.

A return to the Champions League is now the clear objective for United. It remains to be seen whether Carrick stays in charge beyond the end of the season, but Maguire is convinced United have turned the corner.

“I feel like we’re in a good place at the moment,” Maguire added. “I believe we’re in a forward curve with the club, and I want to be part of that.

“I want to leave the club in a good place, when I do leave the club, and that’s the most important thing. It’s not about me, it’s not about individuals. It’s about the team and the club, and wanting to leave the club in a good place.

“I feel like next season could be a special year, if we carry on working hard, if we recruit well in the summer. It’s a big summer ahead, but like I said, focus on this year to make sure we’re in a good position for next year and then make next year a special year.”

Carrick told Sky Sports News: “We’re delighted that Harry’s agreed and it’s been done. Stability and consistency are important.

“He’s been through everything at this club, he knows what it’s all about, the way he handles himself, his character. He’s been terrific since I have come back, and credit to him for that, really.

“Experience is important. We’ve got a really good mix within the squad of some really talented high-end ability-wise younger players. There’s a good number in what we class as the peak years and Harry is obviously at that stage where he is getting a little bit further down the line in terms of career.

“But it doesn’t diminish the importance of what he can be and the example and the understanding and a little bit of just knowing what it feels like to be here, so to have him around for longer is fantastic for all of us at the club.”