EPL: Ruben Amorim Hails Harry Maguire’s Resurgence at Manchester United

Harry Maguire regains form under Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, emerging as a key leader.
Maguire shines in FA Cup victory against Arsenal, excelling despite illness during training.
Once stripped of captaincy, Maguire now thrives in Amorim’s defensive back-three system.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has praised Harry Maguire, calling the former captain “a leader again.”

Maguire, who joined United for £80 million in 2019, was quickly handed the captaincy by then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, Erik ten Hag stripped him of the role in July 2023, sparking speculation about Maguire’s future at Old Trafford.

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Despite an accepted bid from West Ham, Maguire opted to stay and worked his way back into the team, capitalizing on United’s defensive injury crisis.

Maguire chose to remain at the club through the summer transfer window and has since become a key figure under Amorim, who replaced Ten Hag after his dismissal in October.

Now thriving in the central role of Amorim’s back three, Maguire delivered an exceptional performance in the FA Cup victory against Arsenal, despite battling illness in the days prior.

“I feel he is a leader again,” said Amorim. “He feels more like an important player in the team.

“He believes in himself a lot and he’s doing a great job.

“We have to praise Harry more than me. He was sick before the last game and was dead in the end. That is what I want from every player.”

Although he is right-footed, Solskjaer used Maguire on the left of his central defence.

Ten Hag switched Maguire to the right because he didn’t feel he was quick enough opening his body out to create space through his passing on the left-hand side.