'It’s given me confidence' - What Ruben Amorim told Harry Maguire about Manchester United future

Ruben Amorim told Harry Maguire it was a 'no brainer' for Manchester United to extend his contract by another year.

The 31-year-old was technically out of contract at the end of the season, although United had the option to trigger an additional year in his contract if they wished. United confirmed earlier in the month they had exercised their option to keep the experienced defender at the club, though it remains to be seen whether he will be handed a new deal like fellow teammate Amad Diallo was last week.

Maguire was arguably United's standout performer in their FA Cup penalty shootout victory over Arsenal at the weekend and once again excelled at the heart of their back three under Amorim. He will do his chances of a new deal no harm if he continues to play that well and he credits his recent form to the confidence the new head coach has instilled in him.

"Yeah, he’s really demanding. Ruben said to me that when it came across to him that I had an option (to extend contract), he said it was a no brainer for him," Maguire told reporters after the Arsenal win. "It’s given me confidence and belief that they want me at the club and part of this project. And I’m happy to be here. I want this club to be back fighting for titles and not fighting where we are in the table right now. We’ve got a long way to go. A good performance but we’ve got to go again Thursday."

United will be in the market for at least one central defender this summer, with teammate Victor Lindelof expected to depart once his contract expires at the end of the campaign. If Maguire does not sign a new deal, then the summer might be United's final realistic opportunity to receive a transfer fee for him, though he is fully focused on maintaining his current level of performance.

He added: "I’m 31 now, coming up to 32 in a couple of months, but I’m getting back to that level. I also think I was at that level last season as well, so it’s been 18 months now where I’d say I’ve been playing consistently well for this club again. There’s no doubt I had a tough year in my third season when Ralf took over, I wasn’t at my best, I knew that, I knew I needed to find something to stay at this club because it demands high standards and I feel like I’ve found something. Mentally and physically I feel good."