Jaap Stam believes Manchester United could be making a grave error in the event that they let former captain Harry Maguire leave on a free transfer at the top of the season.
Maguire has impressed greatly upon his return to the starting line-up following Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach.
Playing alongside Lisandro Martinez, the previous United captain has helped his side to wins over Manchester City and Arsenal over the past fortnight to maneuver United back into the Premier League top 4.
Maguire’s displays have been praised by many, with former Chelsea defender John Terry even suggesting that he should find himself in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
But despite those performances, the 32-year-old faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, together with his current contract set to run out at the top of the season.
Carrick recently insisted that conversations around Maguire’s contract situation will occur ‘at the appropriate time’, implying that no concrete decision has been made concerning the defender, who joined from Leicester City for £80million back in 2019.
But former United defender Stam believes the club could be silly to let Maguire go, and believes the Englishman’s experience means he would still have loads of value to the squad beyond this season.
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‘Inside any successful team, you’re all the time in search of players who may give something extra to the squad,’ Stam told Metro on behalf of the Covers.com World Cup betting team.
‘Players who’re strong each mentally and physically – and there is no such thing as a doubt that Harry Maguire is one in every of those players.
‘By way of his defending, he’s all the time where you wish him to be – he’s shown that over and over, not slightly below Michael Carrick but additionally when Ruben Amorim was in charge.
‘Maguire has had a really difficult time at Manchester United within the last couple of years, so I actually have numerous respect for him and the way in which he has come back into the team, looked top-notch and performed to a high level.’
Stam continued: ‘That’s a vital example for the club, to have players who’re trustworthy and solid performers. It’s very essential to maintain players like that throughout the squad.
‘He’s got bags of experience and knows what is anticipated of players at a club like United.
Stam: ‘Arsenal defeat has blown the title race wide open’
Arsenal’s defeat to United means the Gunners now hold only a four-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa, and Stam thinks Mikel Arteta’s side are beginning to feel the pressure.
‘The title race is totally open after Manchester United’s win at Arsenal,’ he told Metro. ‘The difference at the highest is barely 4 points now, and the pressure is on Arsenal.
‘Despite losing, I still imagine Arsenal are a superb team with excellent players. But everyone knows that as we move towards the top of the Premier League season, it becomes increasingly difficult to win games because many of the other teams are either fighting for European qualification, or to avoid relegation.
‘For Arsenal, the pressure is actually on, since it’s much easier to chase the leaders. Whereas for Arsenal, they wish to maintain their position, which is amazingly difficult.
‘The Arsenal players are actually being asked different questions – they’re being asked mental questions, and yet they still must stay strong physically and keep to Mikel Arteta’s tactical philosophy.
‘Questions are also asked of the manager, he needs to search out a strategy to keep winning games. Within the last couple of weeks, you’ll be able to see that it’s not been easy for them. And for the opposite teams, like Manchester City and Aston Villa, they are going to have feeling and can imagine they will still win the title.’
‘I understand that sometimes you have to make space in your squad to herald latest players, but there must be a balance between experience and youth.
‘Maguire is the best person to remain at United, to play but additionally to assist his team-mates reach and maintain high levels.’
Speaking after his side’s dramatic win over Arsenal, Maguire lauded interim boss Carick for his transformational impact on United’s squad.
‘Michael’s are available in, he’s been good with us, he’s brought a fresh energy, the group’s really galvanised,’ he said.
‘Two tough games, everybody’s probably thinks we come away from them with not many points but to win each is magnificent.’
United will hope to hold on this momentum under caretaker boss Carrick next weekend once they face Fulham at Old Trafford.
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