Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has given former manager Ruben Amorim credit for the club's direction, praising his "great ideas" despite their failure to work at Old Trafford. The Portuguese boss was sacked in January before Michael Carrick took charge, overseeing a stark upturn in form that has seen United challenge for a Champions League spot.

Maguire prefers Carrick's switch to a back four formation, which allows him to be more aggressive and has midfielder Kobbie Mainoo return to the England fold after 18 months away. The 20-year-old, also in talks over new terms, has made a remarkable turnaround from potentially leaving on loan to contending for a World Cup spot.

The 33-year-old is confident of agreeing a new United deal but stressed he won't stay for sentimental reasons. Maguire's international career was revitalized after being recalled to the England squad, ending an 18-month exile during which he feared his Three Lions career might be over.