15 August 2023 , 20:32
553
0
Erik ten Hag is happy for Harry Maguire to stay at Old Trafford after seeing his Manchester United exit fall through.
The former Red Devils’ captain looked to be on the way out of the club after West Ham United had a bid accepted for his services. Hammers boss David Moyes confirmed that an agreement had been found between the two clubs but remained tight-lipped on the progress of the deal.
He said: "We've had a bid accepted from Manchester United, but while he's not our player I'm not in a position to discuss him." Since then, the ball has been in Maguire’s court over whether to pursue a move to the London Stadium. However, it now appears that the former Leicester man will not be moving after all.
According to reports, the defender’s £30m switch is in huge jeopardy after West Ham grew impatient with Maguire. It is said that he is in the midst of negotiations regarding an exit compensation package with the Red Devils and has not spoken to Moyes directly.
That has seen the Hammers move their attention onto alternatives they could move for before the end of the transfer market. Players under consideration are Bayer Leverkusen pair Jonathan Tah and Odilon Kossounou.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
That leaves Maguire in a tricky position. He looks unlikely to have a future at Old Trafford after losing the captaincy and falling out of contention under Ten Hag.
Harry Maguire now looks set to stay at Man United (Getty Images)Does Harry Maguire still have a future at Old Trafford? Share your thoughts in the comments below
However, it appears that the Red Devils boss is content for Maguire to stay after all. Speaking ahead of his side’s opening day victory over Wolves, the Dutchman said: "He [Maguire] has to fight for his place.
“He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back and he is the best for England so why shouldn't he be the best for us? But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision, but I'm happy with him.”
Whilst Ten Hag has already stated that he would be happy for Maguire to stay, the decision does put a buffer on any upcoming transfer business at Old Trafford. It was suggested that the Red Devils were interested in a deal for Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard as a potential successor.
The Frenchman seemed up for the switch too having informed the German club’s hierarchy of his desire to move on. However, with Maguire staying, it seems unlikely that United would move for Pavard.
Whilst another defender is not needed, the Red Devils still remain keen on bolstering their midfield options. Sofyan Amrabat has been identified as a target but academy graduate Scott McTominay may have to be moved on before United can pursue a deal for the Fiorentina midfielder.