Manchester United hit immediate Harry Maguire stumbling block after loan bid rejected

Manchester United have rebuffed an attempt by West Ham to sign Erik ten Hag’s defender on loan this summer.

On Sunday afternoon, Harry Maguire revealed in a statement that he had been stripped of the Manchester United captaincy, with Erik ten Hag electing to place the duties on a new player for the forthcoming 2023/24 Premier League season.

The decision, while significant, has not come as a surprise, with Maguire only starting eight league fixtures last term.

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With the responsibilities no longer lying with the England international, it was revealed that he may intend to leave the club this summer in order to find game time and keep his place in Gareth Southgate’s England team.

According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, one offer for the player has already come through – although it has immediately shown United that they may have to change their position in order to sell the defender.

West Ham are said to be interested in Maguire, with David Moyes asking for United’s No. 5 on a loan deal. West Ham are weighing up the possibility of inserting an option to buy, although are unsure if it’s worth spending big money for the now 30-year-old.

United have set their asking price for Maguire at £50 million in order to recoup as much of the £80m they spent on him in 2019, although it is thought that United could lower this fee to £30m later on in the window.

After the £50m price was revealed, it was speculated that this could significantly reduce the pool of interested parties in the player, and this is now seemingly starting to take effect – United may be forced to reduce their asking price if they want to move the defender on this summer.

Maguire has attracted the interest of several clubs both in the Premier League and outside, with two Saudi Arabia clubs and Inter Milan all mentioned as possible destinations.

United are expected to announce that Bruno Fernandes will be elected as Erik ten Hag’s next captain while they are touring the USA as part of their eight-fixture pre-season tour.