“We are starving…” Rúben Amorim demands Manchester United star steps up after contract talks

Rúben Amorim has demanded that Harry Maguire step up and become more of a leader amid confirmation that his contract will be extended.

Manchester United will begin their 2025 campaign with a daunting trip to Anfield on Sunday afternoon to face Premier League leaders Liverpool in what could be their toughest challenge of the season.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are thriving at the top of the table, while United find themselves in 14th, just seven points clear of the relegation zone. Manager Rúben Amorim has admitted that the club are enduring one of the most difficult periods in their recent history.

United’s struggles have been evident, with five defeats in their last six league games. Their poor run includes home losses to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United, as well as away defeats to Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

While an upset seems unlikely, a victory at Anfield could offer United a chance to reset and inspire hope for a brighter 2025, as they look to move past the disappointments of the previous year.

Amorim demands Maguire steps up after contract extension

Speaking to the press on Friday afternoon, Amorim confirmed that United will activate the one-year contract extension in defender Harry Maguire’s contract to prevent him from leaving the club for free at the end of June.

However, he also stated that he has demanded Maguire becomes more of a leader at United as the club are “starving” for such a player amid their poor form.

“I spoke with him [Harry] this morning and I told him he has to improve on the pitch,” Amorim said.

“We need him a lot. Also, he has to improve as a leader. We all know the situation he had here, but we need him a lot in this moment, but we are going to trigger the option for him. We are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader.”

He continued, explainining: “I think it is not one thing of our team; it is all the teams. If you want to be a top, top team you have to have leaders.

“We have that in the dressing room but they have to step up. We need the guys that are more experienced to help the younger players.”

Further, Amorim also confirmed that Amad Diallo, who is within his final months of his current contract, is nearing signing a new long-term deal at United.

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