Harry Maguire has recently expressed his admiration for a former Manchester United teammate, emphasizing that he was often overlooked despite his exceptional skills. The 32-year-old ex-captain of Manchester United reflected on the significant talent he observed in Jonny Evans while playing alongside him.
As Maguire approaches the conclusion of his contract with Manchester United, which is set to end in 2026, speculation about his future continues to grow. He is currently in the last six months of his deal, following the club's decision to activate a one-year extension that was included in his previous agreement during Ruben Amorim’s tenure as manager.
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Despite the extension, Maguire’s long-term prospects at the club remain unclear, and he could potentially depart when the 2025-26 Premier League season wraps up. He is eligible to negotiate with teams outside of England and might finalize a pre-contract agreement before becoming a free agent this summer.
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Maguire particularly highlighted Jonny Evans, a central defender who ended his long-standing career with Manchester United last summer. Evans concluded his contract at the end of the 2024-25 season and opted for retirement, subsequently taking on a behind-the-scenes role at the club.
In an interview with Manchester United’s official website, Maguire referred to Evans as a model example for any aspiring defender, urging them to study his gameplay.
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"He’s a fantastic individual," Maguire said, adding, "He was incredibly composed and an exceptionally talented player. When discussing players who don't get the recognition they deserve, I would argue that Jonny is perhaps the most underrated player I've ever had the privilege to play alongside.
"If I were mentoring a young defender, I would tell them to observe Jonny Evans closely. His body positioning and movement were exemplary, and he was actively engaged in every facet of the game. Defending involves much more than just making last-minute tackles or strong challenges."
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Reflecting on Evans' performance during his prime, Maguire noted their time together at Leicester City after Evans left Old Trafford in 2015, during Louis van Gaal’s management. After his stint at West Brom, Evans joined Leicester in 2018, where he remained until 2023 before returning to Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.
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Maguire remarked that he played alongside Evans during the latter's peak years and explained what fans may not have recognized. "While the spotlight often shines on those who receive accolades, qualities like body positioning, footwork, and tactical awareness are crucial for defenders. Jonny excelled in these areas, showcasing an active presence throughout the game. He truly was the best I’ve played with in that regard.
"Even towards the end of his career, when he returned to us, his quality was evident. I witnessed even more of that brilliance during his prime at Leicester, and it was incredible to be on the pitch with him."
During his two spells with Manchester United, Evans secured three Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, an FA Cup, and two League Cups.
