Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has spoken publicly about West Ham’s failed summer transfer pursuit.
Ever since dropping down the pecking order at Old Trafford, Maguire has been linked with a move elsewhere.
At one point during the summer, it looked like Maguire was on his way to West Ham to link up with David Moyes. The West Ham manager acknowledged at the time that discussions had been held between the two clubs.
Maguire now claims the relevant parties – United, West Ham and himself – never agreed personal terms over a potential transfer.
Speaking to reporters while on international duty, Maguire said (via The Mirror): “Regular game time is really important to me, it has been throughout my career. The actual opportunity to go to West Ham wasn’t agreed really between both clubs and myself. So it wasn’t just my chance to say ‘Yes and I’m going’.
“It wasn’t agreed between both clubs so the actual opportunity wasn’t there because we didn’t get far enough down the line with it.
“But West Ham is a massive club. But like I said my full focus is still on Manchester United, I want to fight for my place but of course regular game time is really important to me.”
The England international remained at Old Trafford and will continue to fight for his place in the team under Erik ten Hag.
To Maguire’s credit, he performed brilliantly in the 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend. It was his assist that contributed to Scott McTominay’s stoppage-time winner.
That said, Maguire has only made two starts for United this season. He speaks about playing regular football but that hasn’t been the case for him this season – or last.
Maguire is still ever-present in Gareth Southgate’s England side.
West Ham not planning to return for Maguire
The Hammers will “definitely not” return to their approach for Maguire as they wouldn’t be able to afford the deal, according to Claret & Hugh, a West Ham fansite.
Moyes recruited Konstantinos Mavropanos following West Ham’s failed pursuit of Maguire, with the Greek defender now competing for a place with both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd at the heart of Moyes’ defensive unit.
Where next for Maguire? Let us know in the comments section if you think he will be at United after the January transfer window.
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