MAJOR Man Utd transfer DELAYED – Fabrizio Romano
Tom Hancock
- 11 Aug 2023 17:57 BST
- 3 min read
Harry Maguire’s proposed move from Manchester United to West Ham won’t be completed just yet, according to Fabrizio Romano.
West Ham had a bid of around £30m for the England defender accepted on Thursday (August 10), having fallen short with their opening bid.
But Maguire’s exit from Old Trafford would appear to depend on Man Utd getting all of their ducks in line first.
MORE: Man Utd add two midfielders in ADDITION to €24m transfer
Romano reports that United want to draw up a shortlist of possible replacements before allowing Maguire to leave.
Despite the 30-year-old falling out of favour during a rotten 2023/24 season, his departure would leave Erik ten Hag somewhat short of centre-back depth – albeit not alarmingly so.
Besides, Man Utd are already being linked with one massive name at the back: Bayern Munich and France star Benjamin Pavard, who is said to be very keen on joining the 13-time Premier League champions as he chases regular minutes at centre-half rather than right-back.
MORE: Wan-Bissaka or Dalot? Erik ten Hag's Man Utd right-back decision is OBVIOUS
Man United accepted £30m proposal from West Ham for Harry Maguire three days ago. 🔴🏴 #MUFC
Understand deal’s not done yet because Man United want to start talks and pick favorite candidate as replacement before letting Harry go. pic.twitter.com/2y4tBQ8Sny— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2023
Not to be for Maguire
Maguire’s apparent (relatively) imminent transfer comes after Ten Hag backed his former captain to return to form and fight for his place in the team. The United manager said at the end of last month:
“It's nothing against Harry [stripping him of the captaincy and handing it to Bruno Fernandes]; it was in advantage of the team.
“Then you make the decision – but I will not say that Harry isn't part of this group; he has to fight for his position.
“He is a very good centre-back, and I believe in the potential of Harry Maguire. It's just that he has to prove himself and fight his way into the team. It's up to him, and I think he can do it.”
Alas, it looks like it’s not to be for Maguire at Man Utd – four years after his £80m arrival from Leicester.
