Harry Maguire was heavily linked with a switch to West Ham but has opted to remain at Manchester United after negotiations dragged on and the Hammers walked away from the transfer
Harry Maguire has turned down a move to West Ham
Sam Allardyce claims Harry Maguire snubbed a move to West Ham over fears he could find himself in a relegation battle.
The Manchester United centre-half has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag, starting just six times in the Premier League as a result last season. He remains someway down the pecking order and had been linked with pastures new as he sought regular football going forward.
West Ham emerged as a destination after they saw a bid accepted by the Red Devils. Negotiations dragged on however with Maguire seeking an exit package from Old Trafford, which eventually saw the Hammers pull out of the deal as the defender kicked his heels.
Allardyce, who previously led West Ham to Championship promotion, claims the difficulties at the London Stadium last term, which saw the club secure top flight status late in the day, has played on Maguire’s mind.
He told the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast when asked where Maguire will play this season: “Manchester United. He turned West Ham down, he’s turned it down. I know his agent really well. I think – and this is no disrespect to West Ham, because I managed them – he feels that with the troubles they had last season down the bottom of the league, he doesn’t want to be going there, he wants something bigger.”
Maguire is taking a gamble at United should he stay with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane the established centre-half pairing. Behind them Victor Lindelof provides cover whilst Luke Shaw has also been used ahead of Maguire as a makeshift option.
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Despite that Ten Hag, who has challenged the England international to fight for his place if he does remain in Manchester, maintains that he’s happy to have Maguire on board as the Red Devils fight on several fronts.
The Dutchman said: “[Maguire] knows what I expect from a centre half. He can do it. He has the abilities to do it, so he has to show it. It’s about character, to be convinced to play that role. He has all the abilities and it’s up to him when the time is there.”
He also added: “Harry is a player for us, I’m happy he’s here, so we need a good squad. We have four good centre-halves - with Luke Shaw if you count him, we have five - and we need that because we are going to play 50-60 games this season, all the players are internationals, so we have a lot of load to cover so yeah, I’m very happy Harry Maguire is here. He has to fight for his position, as does everyone in this squad.”
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