Harry Maguire is delighted to have extended his Manchester United stay by at least another year - and he fully expects next season to be a special one.
The long-serving defender is appreciative of all the support the fans have given him at Old Trafford, through thick and thin, and is determined to leave the club in a good place when the time is right to move on.
With a one-year additional option on his fresh deal, which runs until the summer of 2027, the 33-year-old is likely to remain hugely influential for the Reds for some time yet.
“It's amazing,”
he told club media in an exclusive interview, marking the big announcement. “Obviously, it's my seventh year.
”To be at this club, to play for this club for one game is really special. So, to be here seven years - it’s going to be eight - I’m really looking forward to it.
“A big, strong end to the season is the focus now, to put us in a strong position going into next year, and then we’ve got to make next year a lot better and a lot more positive and a lot more special.
”So, yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.
“I feel like we’re in a good place at the moment,”
he said, with the squad away at a training camp in Dublin, preparing for a long-awaited return to domestic action. “I believe we’re in a forward curve with the club, and I want to be part of that.
”I want to leave the club in a good place, when I do leave the club, and that’s the most important thing. It’s not about me, it’s not about individuals.
“It’s about the team and the club, and wanting to leave the club in a good place. I feel like next season could be a special year, if we carry on working hard, if we recruit well in the summer. It’s a big summer ahead, but like I said, focus on this year to make sure we’re in a good position for next year and then make next year a special year.”
Maguire expressed his gratitude to the supporters, who will hope to roar the Reds on to a positive finish to the campaign, in order to clinch UEFA Champions League football in 2026/27.
The defender is a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford, given his contribution since joining the club from Leicester City in 2019, and the determination and character he has shown throughout his time here.
“They've been amazing with me all through my journey,”
he explained. “I think they’ve realised that, every time I step on the pitch, I give everything for this club and I have done through the seven years.
”Yeah, there has been ups and there has been downs, but it’s been a journey and I feel like they’ve been on it with me.
“I’m really pleased that I can share another year with them on the pitch and in the stadium. Like I said, I want to make that year special.
“A big thank you for their amazing support over my time here,”
he added, in a personal message to the United faithful. “It’s been a wonderful time but it’s not finished yet.
”A big end to the season, stay with us - I know they will do - and then next season, let’s make it special.“
Maguire is, unfortunately, suspended for our next outing, the Premier League home game against Leeds United on Monday 13 April.