“A dream…” – Rio Ferdinand applauds Manchester United star after Ruben Amorim turnaround

Harry Maguire has received a contract extension at Manchester United after turning things around under Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United have had a mixed time under the new boss Ruben Amorim so far, with results far from perfect since his arrival.

The latest clash against Liverpool, which ended in a 2-2 draw, showed positive signs but consistency is needed.

Amorim’s tactical approach has been criticised, as the 39-year-old uses his 3-4-3 formation at Old Trafford, with claims that it doesn’t get the best out of the United squad.

However, various players have been thriving in the set-up, with Harry Maguire being one of those as he sets up in the middle of the back three.

Ferdinand applauds Maguire resurgence

Maguire, 31, initially had his minutes managed under Amorim after recently returning from injury but has now played 90 minutes in five of the last six games.

The England international has come back from various setbacks at United, and now looks like a good option in the middle of Amorim’s back three.

Rio Ferdinand has applauded Maguire for his revival and believes that it is a ‘dream’ for the defender to be playing in this system.

He said on his YouTube channel: “That messaging, he’s [Amorim] getting a response from some players. Harry Maguire, he was dead in the water, surplus to requirements, gone.

“I think he’s had an element of luck, but he’s also had to really push himself to a good place.

“He’s got a manager playing three at the back, for Harry Maguire thats a dream, the spaces aren’t so big around him now. He’s got the job now, he’s got to stay in.

“Now he seems to be playing free, long may that continue.”

Amorim still wants Maguire to improve

Amorim confirmed last week that the club would be activating the 12-month extension option in Maguire’s contract.

The defender was able to start speaking to foreign clubs in January due to his deal running out in June 2025, but United now have him locked down for another year.

Despite that, Amorim still wants to see improvements from Maguire, particularly as a leader within a struggling team at the moment.

“Harry Maguire, [we are] going to trigger our option. I spoke with him this morning and I told him that he has to improve his game on the pitch,” Amorim told reporters.

“We need him a lot and also he has to improve as a leader, because we all know the situation that he had here.

Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo sends 19-word message to Al-Nassr chiefs about Casemiro, with Manchester United star open to move

“But we need him a lot at this moment, so we are going to happily trigger the option for Harry.”

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.