Sir Alex Ferguson has already shared his views on Harry Maguire as Manchester United ponder offering the defender a fresh contract. The centre-half's current deal runs out at the season's end and while there have been encouraging signs regarding an extension at Old Trafford, no agreement has yet been reached.

The 33-year-old, who has spent much of the campaign recovering from injury on the sidelines, has emerged as an important figure since Michael Carrick took charge on an interim basis. Maguire has been free to hold discussions with rival clubs since January, rejecting interest from Brendan Rodgers' new Saudi outfit, Al Qadsiah, and AC Milan earlier this year. The situation is complicated by uncertainty over who will manage the club next season.

Carrick remains a contender following an impressive start to his spell as interim boss, though United will have several alternatives in the summer, when numerous high-profile managers become available.

Maguire already counts Ferguson among his admirers at Old Trafford, with the legendary manager having rated the player since watching him represent Sheffield United in the FA Youth Cup. The teenage defender sustained concussion during that...