Manchester United: Maguire explains collapsed move to West Ham

The England international came close to securing a move away from Old Trafford in the summer.

Harry Maguire has claimed West Ham couldn’t reach an agreement with either him or Manchester United in the summer.

Limited playing time under Erik ten Hag forced Maguire to consider a move away from United after the 2022-23 season. Widespread reports in the English media suggested the 30-year-old came very close to joining the Hammers on a £30m move. However, the deal ultimately fell through as United came into the current campaign without signing a new centre-back.

“Regular game time is really important to me, it has been throughout all my career,” Maguire told a press conference ahead of England’s friendly match against Australia.

“The actual opportunity to go to West Ham wasn’t really agreed between both clubs and myself, so it wasn’t just my chance to say ‘yes’ and I’m doing. The actual opportunity wasn’t there because we didn’t get far enough down the line with it.”

Maguire has made three Premier League appearances for the Red Devils so far this season. The former Leicester City star has stepped up to make a few solid performances as United have struggled with an injury crisis in their backline.

Erik ten Hag’s men will face Sheffield United in their first game after the international break on October 21.