Michael Carrick believes that Harry Maguire brings invaluable experience to Man Utd as the defender’s future at Old Trafford hangs in the air.
The England international, who turns 33 next week, could leave the club this summer when his contract expires.
Maguire has endured mixed fortunes at United since his £80 million transfer from Leicester City in 2019, but he has played an important role in the team’s backline over the past three seasons.
“Harry is an impressive character,” Carrick said ahead of Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace at home. “He’s had a great career so far, hopefully, there is a lot more to come. He’s been here on the journey and the experiences he’s had show exactly what he is.
“We know the player he is and what he is capable of doing. He was fantastic the other night, his experience, attributes and character helped. He’s willing to put himself out there. He’s been really important for us.”
The interim head coach continued: “There is a case, as your career goes when you’re a young player and everything is fresh and new, you’re fearless and there’s not many scars there. You get to your peak years and you feel good and everything is there, but you’ve had a few ups and downs. You get towards the later times and the experience should make you a better player, we’ve seen that with Harry’s performances of late.”
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Carrick: ‘Hard to put price’ on Maguire’s Man Utd experience
On Maguire’s contract situation, Carrick added: “Within the squad, there is that balance, you want that younger potential and excitement and helping develop players, you need the sweet spot in the middle with players at the peak, and experience is massive.
“It’s hard to put a price on how valuable that can be. Harry has gained an awful lot of experience with this club. Case leaving is another one, and we have to understand what.”
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