Due to Harry Maguire’s refusal to leave Old Trafford, Manchester United are set to miss out on one of their top transfer targets.
Following harsh criticism of his performances over the previous two seasons, the 30-year-old’s future looked gloomy last season when he fell out of favor with manager Erik ten Hag. That impression was reinforced when the Dutch manager chose to remove the England international from the club leadership this summer.
Indeed, when a £30 million deal was agreed, the 30-year-old appeared destined to join West Ham. However, that agreement has since fallen through, with Maguire apparently ready to stay and battle for his place with the Red Devils.
Ten Hag has spent more than £170 million on new recruits Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund this summer, but FFP rules have curtailed his spending power. And, unless the club can sell some of its stars for large sums, bringing in more players before September 1 appears unlikely.
That thought may jeopardize their pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard. The French international, who was a vital component in his country’s World Cup victory in 2018, is looking to leave the Bundesliga champions and is apparently interested in a move to Manchester United.
However, Maguire’s continued presence has essentially deprived Ten Hag the finances he requires to make an offer for Pavard. Inter Milan, the finalists in the Champions League, have now made their own offer in response to the scenario.
According to Gianluca di Marzio, an Italian football journalist, the club has lodged a bid of more than £21 million for the 27-year-old. However, talks are still ongoing, with the German giants valuing the centre-back at around £25 million.
United’s refusal to act on Maguire might have ramifications for future targets. In addition, the club has been planning a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, with Liverpool now joining the competition in the wake of United’s uncertainty.
Ten Hag had intended to have substantially more finances available to him in this transfer window, after the Glazer family’s announcement last November of their intention to sell the club. However, the takeover saga has persisted, with frontrunners Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe still waiting for word on their bids.
Fan demonstrations have also done little to accelerate the process. United fans forced the stadium shop to close on the day the official 2023/24 kit went on sale this summer, after barricading the door to show their contempt for the American family.
