What Harry Maguire’s stay cost Manchester United

Manchester United had great aspirations of signing a Champions League-winner during the summer transfer window, but had the move thwarted by the decision of one man; Harry Maguire.

The summer transfer period saw Manchester United engage in five key signings, notably bringing in Sofyan Amrabat on a loan deal just before the transfer deadline.

Earlier in the window, the club invested heavily in players like Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, and Mason Mount, collectively spending over £150 million on these acquisitions.

Additionally, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir joined from Fenerbahce for an approximate fee of £5 million on deadline day.

However, one department that remained untouched was the defense. Manager Erik ten Hag was reportedly keen on bolstering the central defense, but this move was contingent on the departure of some players, particularly Harry Maguire.

West Ham emerged as a potential destination for Maguire, and negotiations were initiated.

However, as August drew to a close, the Hammers decided to withdraw from the deal.

Reports suggested that the London club grew frustrated with the protracted nature of the negotiations and the reported demands for a pay-off from Maguire.

Speaking during his time with the England national team, Harry Maguire asserted that no agreement had been reached between the two clubs, dispelling rumors of an impending departure.

According to Dharmesh Sheth, a Sky Sports reporter, Manchester United’s failure to seal a deal with West Ham had far-reaching consequences.

Sheth claimed that this missed opportunity meant that they also missed out on the chance to sign Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich.

The French defender, who had previously won the Champions League with Bayern in 2020, opted to join Inter Milan instead.

Pavard’s potential addition would have brought more major trophy-winning experience to Manchester United’s defensive lineup, which already boasted players like Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

Sheth elaborated on the situation, stating,

“When you’re talking about trying to get someone in during the summer and January, it’s very, very different. I think United probably had a couple of deals ready to go in the summer.

“Pavard looked like it was a goer, but it was all dependent on what happened with Maguire. It looked like Maguire was going to leave, and it looked like there were going to be good deals for United.”

Benjamin Pavard was in the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich when Inter Milan secured his services for a reported fee of £25 million.