Why Harry Maguire is not leaving Manchester United for West Ham

Harry Maguire’s purported move to West Ham United is off Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Manchester United supporters appeared relieved and upset alike when it was speculated last week that Harry Maguire would be on his way to West Ham after the clubs had agreed to a transfer fee pending personal terms. However, said personal terms did not materialize and now supporters are truly confused about what to feel, with many now upset that the out-of-favour club captain could warm the bench in an expensive affair.

This is indeed a tricky scenario particularly given that clearing Maguire’s wage bill and getting an effective replacement would have been hailed as a proper masterstroke on part of Erik ten Hag and company in terms of transfer decisions.

But now it appears that the gaffer may have played a role in the deal going in the opposite direction.

Maguire an important squad player at Manchester United

According to David Ornstein, Harry Maguire will not join West Ham United this summer.

It is understood that the short time left in the window and the fact that Man United would have needed to identify and pursue a suitable replacement in said time played a big role in transfer talks not progressing.

Further, as backed by multiple other reports, Maguire simply did not agree with West Ham United over personal terms and appears content on fighting for his place at Old Trafford.

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Interestingly, the report adds that Ten Hag too is more than happy for Maguire to do the same and views the English centre-back as a vital squad player.

In their slim opening week win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, the gaffer elected to bring on Victor Lindelof in the second half after Lisandro Martinez picked up an early yellow card. This stamps Maguire’s spot as the fourth-choice centre-back at the club and it will be interesting to see how and if he claws his way out of this.