Erik ten Hag has told Harry Maguire one thing as West Ham move collapses

Harry Maguire’s potential move to West Ham has collapsed and the former Manchester United captain looks set to remain at Old Trafford this season.

The central defender had reportedly agreed personal terms with the London based club and United had accepted a £30 million offer for the player.

However, a source close to the England international told Sky Sports that “there was never an agreement in place between Harry and West Ham” and that “the process was less advanced than portrayed in the media”.

Various reports on Tuesday stated that the deal to West Ham is off, with Sky Sports adding that it’s believed a departure this late would have left United little time to bring in a replacement.

The Reds were linked to Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard among others.

Erik ten Hag started the England defender just eight times in the Premier League last term. When Lisandro Martinez was unavailable, he would either use Luke Shaw or Victor Lindelöf in the left centre-back slot.

However, the Dutchman reportedly maintains that Maguire is an important player and he’s happy for him to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.

Before the opening game win against Wolves on Monday, the United manager explained that he is happy with the defender but wants him to replicate his form for his country at United, but if he is not ready to compete for the position then he should leave.

“He [Maguire] has to fight for his place,” stated Ten Hag ahead of his team’s 1-0 win.

“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.”