Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has talked about his failed move to West Ham United in the summer.
The 30-year-old has been struggling for game time at Old Trafford, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof ahead of him in the pecking order.
He was reportedly close to joining the Hammers in the summer after the Daily Mail reported they had agreed a £30 million fee for the centre-back.
However, Maguire has now revealed there was no agreement between the two clubs and himself.
He also added that his focus is now on Manchester United and he wants to fight for his place at the club.
He said: “Regular game time is really important to me – it has been throughout my career.
“The actual opportunity to go to West Ham wasn’t agreed really between the two clubs and myself. It wasn’t just my chance to say yes, I’m going.
“It wasn’t agreed between both clubs. The opportunity wasn’t there because we didn’t get far enough down the line. West Ham is a massive club but my full focus is on Manchester United.
“I want to fight for my place but of course, game time is really important.”
Maguire has been facing a lot of criticism from fans in recent years. His performances have been unsatisfactory, but singling out just one player looks unfair.
Many people expected the 30-year-old to leave Old Trafford this summer in search of regular game time, but a move to another club didn’t materialise.
However, he now looks determined to impress his manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman hasn’t given him many opportunities this season but things look to be changing for the experienced defender.
Ten Hag started Maguire in United’s recent 2-1 victory over Brentford last week and the centre-back impressed with his performance.
He was very composed throughout the game, and his distribution was also excellent.
The England international also assisted Scott McTominay’s winning goal in the seventh minute of injury time.
Ten Hag may give him more chances after the international break, and Maguire will be looking to perform well to impress his coach.
