Why Harry Maguire’s contract extension could save Man Utd more than £70MILLION after defender’s stunning renaissance
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HARRY MAGUIRE'S return to top form looks set to save Manchester United £70million. The 31-year-old has impressed since the arrival of Ruben Amorim and the club have triggered a one-year extension in his contract. Maguire's £190,000-a-week deal was going to expire at the end of this season, with him expected to leave Old Trafford alongside fellow centre-backs Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
![[Harry Maguire, Manchester United defender, wearing a rainbow armband.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/file-photo-dated-01-12-962439024_0dac2b.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But United's U-turn on his future means they no longer need to spend big on a replacement. The Mail report that the Red Devils were targeting a "ready-made" defender in the summer. Everton's £70m rated Jarrad Branthwaite was high up their shortlist. But instead United are more likely to go for a younger and cheaper centre-back to add depth to their squad.
![[Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite crouching on the field.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/club-league-logos-live-services-961518615.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The funds set aside for Maguire's replacement can now be re-directed to improve other areas of the squad. Amorim is happy with the England star, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro as his centre-back options. The boss can also put Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw into his back three in makeshift roles.
![[Harry Maguire's Manchester United 2024-25 season statistics.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/the-sun-22-23-transfer-auto-ed9b108d-47bb-4a95-ba41-7a043400b6db.png?strip=all&w=960)
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS. Maguire's improvement in form comes after he fell down the pecking order and was stripped of the captaincy under Erik ten Hag. But Amorim highlighted his importance to the squad, saying: "When you look at our team we are starving for leaders. He is a leader.".
