MANCHESTER, England — Ruben Amorim admitted his Manchester United side were “hungry for leaders” ahead of a daunting trip to Liverpool on Sunday and suggested that was one of the reasons the club decided to extend. Harry Maguirethe contract.
Amorim revealed in his press conference on Friday that Maguire’s contract, which was due to expire this summer, had been extended until June 2026 – and the Portuguese coach said he needed the defender to “improve » as a leader because he hasn’t done it yet. there are many on his team.
United travel to Liverpool on Sunday after four consecutive defeats and without a win at Anfield since 2016.
“We will trigger our option,” Amorim said when asked about Maguire’s contract situation.
“I spoke to him this morning and told him he needs to improve his game on the pitch. We need him a lot and he also needs to improve as a leader.
“When you look at our team, we’re hungry for leaders on the floor. He’s a leader. He needs to improve that part and he needs to improve our game. We’re happy to continue with him.”
United are languishing in 14th place in the table after three consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring a goal. They haven’t lost four games in a row without scoring since 1909.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are six points clear at the top and 23 points ahead of United, who are just four places and seven points above the relegation places.
“We know it will be a difficult moment and a really different context for both teams,” Amorim said. “They have had this solid foundation for many years, but we are working this week to win the game. We will try to do that.
“I’m just focused on performance. I didn’t focus on losing or what might happen. We prepared for this game to win and we know what we’re going to face. We have more time to practice (this week) — two days in a row, I think that can help us.”
Amorim also offered support to Joshua Zirkzeewho was booed after being substituted just 30 minutes into the defeat to Newcastle. Zirkzee went straight down the tunnel after coming out only to reappear moments later to take his place on the bench.
“His situation is the same as other players,” Amorim said. “He experienced this situation during the match. It’s really difficult for any player but it can happen. They understand that it’s part of football. Sometimes they have a good moment in their career, other times , it’s not going very well.”
