Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is happy with Harry Maguire’s decision to compete for his position within the club as the English defender’s transfer to West Ham United has collapsed.
This development was disclosed by Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Although there was an agreed £30 million deal between Man United and West Ham for the centre-back, Maguire was reluctant to leave the club unless he received compensation that would offset the decreased salary offered by the Hammers.
It was also stated that the 30-year-old player never agreed to a formal agreement that will allow him to move to the London Stadium, refuting any discussions with David Moyes.
Maguire move to West Ham off. It's thought departure this late would have left Manchester United little time to bring in a replacement. Erik ten Hag maintains he's important player and happy for him to stay and fight for his place. #MUFC https://t.co/2i2E9u8T1d
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 15, 2023
Reports suggest that Maguire requested a £15 million compensation package, as United’s initial offer of £6 million to depart didn’t meet his expectations.
Maguire sought fair compensation as he has two years remaining on his £190,000-a-week contract totalling £19.7 million.
While West Ham proposed a weekly wage of £120,000, the English star expected United to adequately compensate the difference through a substantial payoff.
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The move has been abandoned due to the inability of both parties to reach an agreeable settlement amount. Due to Maguire’s decision to remain at Old Trafford, the club is unlikely to pursue a transfer for Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.
The potential £30 million that would have been acquired from Maguire’s sale would have been useful in securing Pavard. However, the absence of those funds due to Financial Fair Play restrictions hampers this possibility.
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During their Premier League opening match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the United defender was on the bench but didn’t play, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the starting lineup at Old Trafford.
Victor Lindelof substituted for Martinez at halftime.
Maguire believes he can work his way back into the starting XI and both the player and the club would benefit if he regains the form that once made him the world’s most expensive defender.
