Harry Maguire’s future and comments from one his team-mates feature in our Manchester United round-up

Manchester United enjoyed a restful weekend as their top-four rivals were in FA Cup action. United exited the competition at the third round stage after a loss to Brighton, giving them an extended break between games.

United’s winning streak under Michael Carrick was halted by West Ham last week, though he remains undefeated since succeeding Ruben Amorim. The next fixture is a visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton in a week’s time.

United will utilise their extended break on the training pitch, and it has also given some of Carrick’s players an opportunity to regain fitness following injuries. Mason Mount, who missed the matches against Fulham and West Ham due to a muscle problem, is one such player hoping to return in time to face the Toffees.

Matthijs de Ligt is also on the verge of returning, with Patrick Dorgu being the only long-term absentee. Carrick will be hoping to have nearly a full squad to choose from for the remainder of the season as he strives to keep United in the top four and secure a Champions League return.

Here, Manchester Evening News provides all the latest updates from Old Trafford.

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Harry Maguire stance addressed

Harry Maguire’s teammates believe the club would be “mad” not to extend the defender’s contract past the summer. The 32-year-old has experienced a revival under Carrick after being used sparingly under both Amorim and Erik ten Hag.

There’s growing support among fans for offering Maguire a new contract, with his current one due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season. It appears that the United dressing room shares this sentiment, with a source telling The Sun about his importance to the team.

The source said: “The players think it would be madness if he was not offered a new deal. Harry has endured plenty of ups and downs at United but has come through all that and is playing really well.

“He’s very well-respected in the dressing room and is passing on a lot of knowledge to some of the younger players like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.

“Everyone likes him and respects him and the majority of the players want the club to give him a deal.”

Bryan Mbeumo receives verdict

Matheus Cunha has been full of praise for fellow summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, stating that the ex-Brentford player can bring “something special” to Old Trafford. The duo joined United last year for a combined £128.5million and have since provided the goalscoring threat the team has been sorely lacking.

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Between them, they’ve contributed 20 goals and assists, rapidly establishing themselves as fan favourites. It appears Cunha’s top choice at United is also Mbeumo, as he revealed to Premier League Productions exactly what his attacking teammate brings to the side.

He said: “A lot of energy. What a lovely guy. I’m around him every day, he’s someone that is fun. I always play against him and we talk about the games that we played in the past, Brentford against Wolves.

“But to be together now and help United is something that when we arrive here, we feel like, wow, we can be a small part of the success of the team. It’s something that is a challenge that is everything to us.”

Speaking about Mbeumo’s impressive displays since his return from AFCON, Cunha added: “He’s very intelligent, he’s very clever. So he can use his strength very, very good, like going to space, he shoots so well, so good.

“This is the kind of number nine we need to have. Of course, he’s someone that helped us so much and it’s a pleasure to play with him. He’s more than the position that he plays. Being around him in the pitch, we know he can create something special.”