Erik ten Hag is content for Harry Maguire to remain at Old Trafford after his move to Manchester United fell through.
The former Manchester United captain appeared to be on his way out of the club after West Ham United accepted a proposal for his services. Hammers manager David Moyes announced that an agreement had been reached between the two clubs but remained tight-lipped about the deal’s development.
“We’ve had a bid accepted from Manchester United,” he stated, “but as he’s not our player, I’m not in a position to discuss him.” Since then, the decision to move to the London Stadium has been in Maguire’s hands. However, it now appears that the former Leicester City player will not be leaving.
“We’ve had a bid accepted from Manchester United,” he stated, “but as he’s not our player, I’m not in a position to discuss him.” Since then, the decision to move to the London Stadium has been in Maguire’s hands. However, it now appears that the former Leicester City player will not be leaving.
According to rumours, the defender’s £30 million transfer is in peril after West Ham became impatient with Maguire. He is thought to be in the midst of negotiations with the Red Devils over an exit compensation package and has not spoken to Moyes personally.
As a result, the Hammers have shifted their focus to potential replacements before the transfer window closes. Jonathan Tah and Odilon Kossounou of Bayer Leverkusen are two players under consideration.
Maguire is now in a difficult situation. After losing the captaincy and falling out of contention under Ten Hag, he seemed to have no future at Old Trafford.
However, it appears that Maguire will remain with the Red Devils after all. “He [Maguire] has to fight for his place,” the Dutchman remarked ahead of his side’s opening day triumph over Wolves.
“He has the potential to be a world-class center-back, and he is the best for England, so why shouldn’t he be the best for us?” But he must demonstrate it. When he is not confident enough to fight, he must go, and he must make a decision, but I am pleased with him.”
While Ten Hag has already declared that he would prefer Maguire to stay, the decision does put a crimp in any future transfer business at Old Trafford. The Red Devils were rumored to be interested in a move for Bayern Munich player Benjamin Pavard as a potential successor.