Ruben Amorim believes that Harry Maguire has become a leader again at Manchester United after a turbulent few years at Old Trafford.

Maguire completed his move to the Red Devils back in 2019, and was made the captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer just five months after his £80millon transfer from Leicester City.

But the England international was stripped of the role by Solskjaer's successor, Erik ten Hag, in July 2023, leading to speculation that he would depart the club soon after.

Maguire rejected the chance to join West Ham after United had accepted a bid for the defender, eventually forcing his way back into the team amid a mid-season injury crisis.

Despite Ten Hag bringing in Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, Maguire remained a constant and has flourished under Amorim since the Dutchman's departure.

Since Amorim's appointment in November, Maguire has started seven of United's last eight Premier League games, featuring in a more central role of a back three.

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Maguire put on an impressive display during United's third round win over Arsenal in the FA Cup last Sunday, despite giving away an unfortunate penalty against Kai Havertz.

He made a team-high 11 clearances, with defensive partner Martinez (29) the only player to complete more accurate passes for the Red Devils than Maguire (22).

"I feel he is a leader again," said Amorim. "He feels more like an important player in the team. He believes in himself a lot and he's doing a great job.

"We have to praise Harry more than me. He was sick before the last game and was dead in the end. That is what I want from every player."

Solskjaer and Ten Hag often switched Maguire's position in their backlines, with the 31-year-old featuring both on the left and right-hand side of defence.

Amorim, however, believes that the central role that Maguire has adopted since his arrival fits him perfectly.

"He's excellent with the ball in that position," he said.

"You can also see in this league it is really important to be good in set-pieces and when we are defending low, there are a lot of crosses.

"Arsenal did a lot of crosses with Harry, and we controlled that area."