Harry Maguire’s Transformation Draws Praise from Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim, the man currently tasked with revitalising Manchester United, has not been shy in singling out key players who have stepped up in recent weeks. And one such name has been Harry Maguire. Once written off, heavily criticised and almost out the Old Trafford door, the towering centre-back has found new life and form under Ruben Amorim’s guidance.
Speaking after United’s impressive Europa League victory over Athletic Club, Ruben Amorim was full of admiration for Harry Maguire’s journey and recent performances. “Sometimes there are moments in our life,” the Portuguese coach told TNT Sports, “and Harry had difficult moments. Everything he did seemed to go wrong. Now everything he does is good for the team. He has to enjoy it.”
From Record Signing to Reluctant Benchwarmer
When Manchester United signed Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019 for a staggering £80 million, they broke the world record for a defender. Expectations were sky-high. And for a while, the Yorkshire-born centre-back looked to justify the hype. He became a mainstay in the starting eleven, wore the captain’s armband, and marshalled the back line with confidence.
However, things began to unravel. Questions around his positioning, lack of pace, and errors in high-stakes matches became talking points in pundit circles and across social media. As if that wasn’t enough, he faced a legal battle after an altercation in Greece in 2020 that led to a conviction—pending appeal—which has hung over him ever since.
In 2023, new manager Erik ten Hag made a tough decision: Harry Maguire was stripped of the captaincy. Then came a failed £30m move to West Ham United. Rather than jump ship, Harry Maguire decided to stay and fight for his place, a decision many saw as futile at the time. But it may have been the turning point.
The Ruben Amorim Effect
Enter Ruben Amorim. Known for his tactical acumen and man-management, the former Sporting CP coach brought with him a new vision and, crucially for Harry Maguire, a system that plays to his strengths. Ruben Amorim favours a three-at-the-back formation that allows Harry Maguire to occupy a more central, less exposed role. The result? Confidence, composure, and a footballing rebirth.
“He’s more confident now,” said United captain Bruno Fernandes recently. “You can see it in the way he plays, the way he talks. It’s a different Harry.”
That confidence was on full display in the semi-final against Athletic Club. Though not known for his attacking prowess, Harry Maguire drifted wide, took on his marker with a deft piece of footwork, and delivered a teasing cross into the box. Manuel Ugarte flicked it on, and Casemiro did the rest.
“It was nice to do a bit of dribbling out there and put in a great cross,” Harry Maguire said after the match. “We had a lot of bodies in the box so they must have trusted me to get that cross in.”
Redemption Through Grit
It wasn’t just one moment of brilliance that stood out. Harry Maguire was a rock at the back all night, reading the game well, commanding in the air, and barking orders to maintain defensive shape. It’s the sort of leadership United fans have longed to see consistently since the departure of legends like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
That display followed up another strong performance against Lyon in the previous round, reinforcing the belief that Harry Maguire is no longer a liability but a genuine asset. Ruben Amorim’s system suits him, but it’s also clear that the player himself has put in the work.
“It’s about believing you can change the narrative,” said Ruben Amorim. “Players go through bad spells. But if you work hard, stay focused, and keep pushing, it can all change. That’s what Harry is showing us.”
A New Chapter Ahead?
With his contract running until 2025, Harry Maguire’s long-term future at Manchester United still hangs in the balance. There will likely be transfer interest again in the summer, especially if United look to bolster their defensive ranks further. But for now, the former scapegoat is proving his worth.
If anything, this resurgence adds a layer of complexity to United’s summer plans. Does Ruben Amorim now build around a rejuvenated Harry Maguire? Or does the club still view him as expendable if the right offer comes in?
What is clear is that Harry Maguire is currently enjoying his football again. And United are benefitting.
More Than a Comeback Story
Football loves a redemption arc, and Harry Maguire’s might just be one of the most satisfying in recent Premier League memory. From public ridicule and transfer list to delivering pivotal contributions in European knockout ties, his journey is one that deserves applause.
The man who once epitomised everything that was wrong with United’s transfer dealings is now central to one of their most promising runs in years. In Ruben Amorim’s words, it’s a lesson for every player: “Anything can happen. One day it looks like you’re finished. The next, you’re the hero.”
In a sport often defined by short memories and even shorter patience, Harry Maguire‘s story is a timely reminder that perseverance, belief, and the right coach can make all the difference.
Whether or not his time at Old Trafford extends into the next chapter of Ruben Amorim’s reign, Harry Maguire has already rewritten his narrative—and this version is one he can be proud of.
