Exclusive: Man Utd legend urges INEOS to renew the contract of terrific star

Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister believes Harry Maguire has warranted a place at Carrington beyond the current campaign.

The Sheffield native joined the Red Devils on a £80 million transfer from Leicester in the summer of 2019, but his time at Old Trafford has been an absolute rollercoaster.

At one point, the centre-back became error-prone and was harshly reduced to a figure of ridicule on social platforms.

However, Maguire managed to bounce back during Ruben Amorim’s stint, reclaiming a starting berth at the back, and even producing heroics on the other end of the pitch, most famously against Lyon in the Europa League last season, and Liverpool this term.

Gary Pallister explains why Man United must keep Harry Maguire

On Saturday, Maguire made quite a splash on his return from injury, putting on a sensational display in the 2-0 win over Manchester City. The Englishman helped Lisandro Martinez contain Erling Haaland throughout the contest.

Nevertheless, the 32-year-old’s future remains up in the air, as his contract will expire at the end of the season, with no signs of a renewal on the horizon.

But, in an exclusive interview with Stretty News, Palister argued Man Utd would be wise to offer the big defender a new deal, as he remains an important figure on and off the pitch.

“I know he went through that period of time when he lost his place, and there was some adverse reaction to him. But I think he’s been a terrific player for Manchester United. He’s a proper character,”  said the four-time Premier League winner.

“When he got left out the side, he didn’t go away, and he didn’t cause problems. He was just being completely the consummate professional, got on with his job, got back into the team when there were injuries and then played so well that they couldn’t leave him out. So fair play to Harry.

Harry Maguire gestures while in action for Man United vs Man City. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Maguire had some injuries this season, but he is now hoping to enjoy a healthy run that would convince INEOS to hand him a new contract.

Pallister, speaking in association with Spreadex Sports, said: “If he can prove his fitness between now and the end of the season, then I can see no reason why you wouldn’t want to keep him because of his experience as well. He’s one of the few characters.

“That’d be an interesting one to watch. But if you’re asking me, I would keep him for another year.”

Pallister recalls his memorable brace against Liverpool

Pallister, who played for United between 1989 and 1998, was one of the most celebrated defenders of his generation. But like Maguire, he had his occasional heroics in front of goal.

The 60-year-old picked his brace against Liverpool in April 1997 as his proudest moment concerning an attacking contribution.

“That would be easy. The day I scored two at Anfield. It was a bit of a title decider. We went there, and we won 3-1. For the first time in my professional career, I scored two goals in one game, two headers. 

“So I think that, you’re talking about attacking moments, I think that stands out because it knocked Liverpool out of the title race at the time, and I think surprised everybody, from fans to players alike, that I managed to score two goals in one game. 

As for his famous free-kick against Blackburn in May 1993, Pallister chose it as the runner-up, as Man Utd had already sealed the title.

“Well, the free kick is a close second. In terms of the game, it wasn’t that important. It was just a fitting end to a season.

“I think that I was the only player in the squad who hadn’t scored a goal. So I managed to shove everybody away from the free kick and take it myself.

“So in terms of enjoyment, yeah, that was a great buzz because the atmosphere in the stadium that night was incredible, so much relief and enjoyment after 26 years of pain to be able to join in with the fans and enjoy that occasion was great because there was no real pressure on the game.

“We’d already won the title the previous day. So we could enjoy that moment with the fans as well. So yeah, that’s up there.”