Harry Maguire has sent a positive message after he returned to Manchester United training while Ruben Amorim has provided a warning to the experienced defender.
Manchester United closed out 2025 with a disappointing 1–1 draw against Wolves, leaving them sixth in the Premier League standings.
Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled for consistency, and pressure is mounting for improvement in the second half of the season.
This phase of the campaign is crucial: a strong run of results could see United climb as high as third, while continued setbacks risk sending them further down the table.
One of the problems Amorim is currently facing is the amount of absences, with various players unavailable due to injuries or competing at AFCON.
Maguire sends ‘positive’ message after returning to United training
Harry Maguire started the season well with United but his injury issues has forced him to miss the last eight Premier League fixtures.
The experienced defender was spotted back in the gym at Carrington in late December and reports have suggested that he is stepping up in his rehab with work on the grass.
With a return to action closing in, Maguire took to Instagram on Friday to reflect on 2025 and wish everyone a ‘positive’ 2026 going forward.
Alongside some images from the last year, the defender wrote: 2025 [tick emoji]. Looking forward to a positive 2026, I wish everyone health and happiness.”
Matthijs de Ligt and ex-United defender Phil Jones were among those to like the post. Rasmus Højlund, currently on loan at Napoli, also reacted to the message.
Amorim provides warning to De Ligt and Maguire
Even though Maguire is closing in on a return to action, he is certainly not guaranteed a spot back in the team despite United failing to keep many clean sheets.
Despite the fact the team are still conceding goals, the central defenders have arguably been some of United’s best players in recent weeks.
Luke Shaw is a consistent feature on the left, either at fullback or centre-back, while Lisandro Martínez has made a positive impact since returning from his own injury.
Ayden Heaven has been the standout performer for United in their recent games and Amorim has warned the likes of De Ligt and Maguire that it will not be easy to take their places back if Heaven continues his form.
He told reporters: “I’m really pleased with Ayden, you can feel he is improving every game. If he continues to play like that, it’s going to be really [for someone else] to take his place.”
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