Maguire says Man Utd defenders 'learning' from Carrick coach who was 'fantastic player'

Harry Maguire tells how he and the other defenders are "learning" from a Michael Carrick coach who was a "fantastic player".

The centre-half has praised the influence of Jonathan Woodgate as well as Jonny Evans, after the two former Premier League defenders joined Carrick’s newly assembled Manchester United coaching staff.

The duo, who boast a combined 630 Premier League appearances, were appointed last month and have quickly become visible figures around the first-team setup. Their arrival has coincided with a positive run of form, including impressive victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.

They have been hands-on at Carrington, working closely with the squad — particularly the centre-backs — and Maguire believes their experience is already having a major effect.

The United captain recalled watching Woodgate during his playing days and says the former England international has brought fresh ideas and energy into training.

“He was a fantastic player,” Maguire said. “Coaching [here], he’s come in and been refreshing. He brings great energy to the group, to the sessions.

“Obviously he's been a centre-back himself and he’s giving me tips, and he’s going to definitely work a lot with the younger centre-backs, with Leny [Yoro], Ayden [Heaven] and Tyler [Fredricson].

“But, of course, even senior players like myself and Licha [Lisandro Martinez], we can learn from him. He’s brought great ideas and I’ve been really impressed.”

Woodgate previously worked with Carrick during their time together at Middlesbrough, and that existing relationship has helped him settle quickly into life at Old Trafford. But Maguire insists it is his detail and approach that are making the difference.

Maguire also highlighted the impact of Evans, who returned to the club in a coaching role after calling time on his playing career at the end of last season.

A three-time Premier League winner and graduate of United’s Academy, Evans knows the pressures of playing for the club better than most — and Maguire says that experience is now being passed on to the next generation.

“Jonny is great to have around,” Maguire added. “The way that he handles himself and the responsibility that he took on his shoulders when he was a player, he can take that on to coaching as well.

“Just little things like in the session the other day, I was finished and was walking in and could see that Jonny was doing extra work with Leny and Ayden.

“Things like that, as a young boy coming through and playing on the biggest stage, sometimes you have to learn and adapt on the pitch and on the stage, but you also can’t forget that you need to improve and you need to work.

“These are young, talented centre-backs and to have Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans coaching them now and giving them little tips, it’s fantastic for them.”

With Carrick reshaping United’s backroom team and defensive structure, Maguire’s words highlight just how important experience and leadership remain — not only for results now, but for the defenders of the future.