Carrick says he is hugely important to the team (Picture: Getty)
Michael Carrick has sent a subtle message to the Manchester United board over getting Harry Maguire tied down to a new contract, insisting you ‘cannot put a price’ on the defender.
Maguire returned from injury at the start of the year and has been ever-present in the side since Michael Carrick took the reins in January, starting all six games with United winning five of six in that run.
The 32-year-old has endured difficult spells at Old Trafford but has repeatedly demonstrated his value at both ends of the pitch,also scoring crucial goals when called upon.
Maguire has entered the final six months of his contract and can leave United on a free transfer in July.
United are already set to lose one of their most experienced operators in Casemiro who has already confirmed he will move on at the end of the season when his deal expires.
Speaking on Friday ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, Carrick would not be drawn on talks over a new deal for the former captain with his own future beyond this season unknown.
But the former midfielder underlined just how important his role will continue to be in a squad that needs leadership.
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Maguire has started every game under Carrick (Picture: Getty)
‘I think within the squad there’s always that balance,’ Carrick said. ‘You want that younger potential and that excitement of developing players and helping players, you need that little sweet spot in the middle where players are at the peak, you certainly need that within the group.
‘Experience is massive; it’s hard to put a price on how valuable that can be. Whether that’s individuals, whether that’s experience as a whole group, but Harry’s gained an awful lot of experience in different ways through this club, and Case leaving is another one with experience and it’s something we’ve got to obviously understand and what that means.’
Maguire has been colossal at the back since Carrick took over (Picture: Getty)
Maguire’s form has been key to United’s improving fortunes, forming a rock solid partnership with Lisandro Martinez with Leny Yoro stepping in against Everton on Monday.
Asked if Maguire is the best form of his career, Carrick said: ‘There is a case (for that), as your career goes when you’re a young player and everything is fresh, your fearless and there’s not many scars there.
‘You get to your peak years and you feel good and everything is there, but you’ve had a few ups and downs.
‘You get towards the later times and the experience should make you a better player, we’ve seen that with Harry’s performances of late.
‘That’s why experience is important, I felt it when I was playing, 31 or 32 were my best years of being in that sweet spot to do it physically still but use the experiences to know what is coming.’
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