Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insists it is not the time to address Harry Maguire’s future at the club.
Maguire is approaching the final eight months of his contract and the centre-back admitted after his winner last week against Liverpool it could have been his last appearance for United at Anfield.
The 32-year-old’s representatives have held discussions with United director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves and sources close to Maguire still hope an agreement could be struck before the January transfer window.
If Maguire does not sign a renewal before the New Year, he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract deal with overseas clubs.
Amorim stressed: “We are really happy with Harry.
“It is not the time to talk about that again because that gives the idea that we are thinking so far away.
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“We are really happy with Harry. He is really important for us but we need to just focus on the next game.”
Maguire was recalled for the 2-1 triumph at Anfield in what was only his fourth start of the season.
Amorim sanctioned United’s decision to trigger the one-year extension in Maguire’s deal 10 months ago and he has since been added to the squad’s new leadership group.
Maguire has often competed with Matthijs de Ligt for the middle slot in Amorim’s back three but both lined up at Anfield.
Even though Maguire turns 33 in March, Amorim believes there is still room for improvement.
“I think it was good for him to play with the three centre backs,” Amorim said of Maguire.
“I think he feels more comfortable. He doesn’t need to go to the side so much.
“Sometimes, you help some players with the way you play. Sometimes, it is the opposite with some players.
“I am really pleased. I think he is not young but he can learn a lot. He can improve. I think he can be so much better with the ball because he has that quality.
“He needs to show that. Nowadays, with the set-pieces that you see, the amount of men that you put in the box, every cross from the opponent, everyone is playing the pass.”
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