Ruben Amorim change has already saved one Manchester United career

Head coach Ruben Amorim told Harry Maguire it was a "no-brainer" to activate the one-year extension in his contract at Manchester United.

Based on the centre-back's performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, it was hardly surprising. He produced a colossal display to help United advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup and keep their hopes of retaining their crown alive.

Starting alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez in the back-three for the third game running, Maguire made 11 clearances, blocked five shots and produced two tackles. He was worthy of the standing ovation he received from United's supporters when he made way for Leny Yoro with 104 minutes on the clock.

Ahead of the 2-2 draw with Liverpool just over a week ago, Amorim confirmed United planned to trigger the option to keep Maguire at Old Trafford until the summer of 2026. He said United "need him a lot", identifying him as a leader that could step forward.

Maguire has been through the mill over the last few years. From being stripped of the captaincy to being booed by some United fans in a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin, he has not had it easy.

It will be argued that criticism comes with the territory of being a professional footballer at a club like United, but Maguire found himself in a position where his every move and kick of the ball was being unnecessarily criticised and targeted.

It was not all that long ago it felt as though Maguire's only hope was to leave Old Trafford and attempt to rekindle his club career elsewhere. Now, he is one of the very first names on the teamsheet - and it is purely on merit.

The defender, 31, has made nice appearances under Amorim since he replaced Erik ten Hag at the