Harry Maguire has made 261 appearances and scored 17 goals for Manchester United since his £80m move from Leicester in August 2019.
Maguire's presence in the travelling party at Turf Moor for the first match of the post-Ruben Amorim era on 7 January was a surprise, given his nine-match absence with a thigh injury.
He featured for 11 minutes four days later in an FA Cup third-round defeat by Brighton, and then started for Manchester City's visit to Old Trafford on 17 January.
Maguire's Return to Fitness
According to Manchester United's interim boss Darren Fletcher, Maguire was not fully fit, having barely trained before his return to the pitch.
Manager Michael Carrick said, "It was a big ask for H. We can take for granted sometimes what players do. I'm not going to lie, it was a bit of a calculated gamble for how long he could play and if he could get through it."
Contract Situation
Multiple sources believe a resolution will be found to allow Maguire to remain at United for at least next season, despite nothing being agreed yet.
Compromise may be needed on salary and contract length, but the mood music is upbeat, with Maguire having shown his value to the team during a four-match winning streak.
Maguire's Importance to the Team
Maguire's experience, calmness, and communication skills are crucial to the team, particularly in his central-defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez.
England boss Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged Maguire's recent form, describing him as "back in the picture" at this month's Nations League draw.
