Maguire 'saves MU millions' as Ruben Amorim ditches £70m transfer target

Harry Maguire has impressed Ruben Amorim so much that he is even ready to abandon a £70m deal.

Maguire, 31, has endured a rollercoaster spell at Manchester United since becoming the most expensive defender in world football. The Red Devils splashed £80m on his signature to bring him from Leicester in 2019.

He has impressed in spells, but has also come close to leaving for West Ham, while Maguire also had the club captaincy stripped from him by Erik ten Hag. The England star looked set to leave the club this summer but Ruben Amorim confirmed that chiefs had activated an option to extend his stay by a further year.

And that decision appears to have saved United from splashing the cash in the market once again. The Red Devils were strongly linked with a move for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite last summer - minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly spearheading their interest.

In the end, they were not willing to pay the Toffees £70m asking price. But their need for a new centre-back persisted, particularly with Maguire - as well as Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof - set to be out of contract this summer.

But Maguire’s extended deal has alleviated the need for a ready-made centre-back in the summer. United look set to head into next season with Maguire, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.

As per the Mail, Red Devils chiefs will now target a younger defender with potential to grow to add to their options instead of an expensive addition. Amorim has remained a fan of Maguire since his arrival in Manchester.

The defender has made nine appearances under the Portuguese coach. He recently explained how he had convinced him to stay with the club.

“Yeah, he [Amorim] is really demanding.” said Maguire. "Ruben said to me that when it came across to him that I had an option (to extend my contract), that it was a no brainer.

“It’s given me confidence and belief that they want me at the club and part of this project. 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.”

Meanwhile, Amorim has publicly praised Maguire, particularly after his performance in the draw with Liverpool despite missing a late chance. The United boss said: “For me, missing chances or playing badly with the ball is not the big issue. For me, the big issue (thing) is that Harry gave everything on the pitch. That is the most important thing.”

Maguire will be hoping to retain a place in the starting line up this week. United take on Southampton on Thursday ahead of a weekend clash with Brighton.