Harry Maguire is facing a test of his ambition at Manchester United

The figures of Harry Maguire's reputed potential pay-out being bandied about range from £6million to £15m. Whatever Manchester United offered, it was seemingly insufficient for their deposed defender.

Maguire's situation is nuanced. By paying an inflated fee for Maguire in 2019 and putting him on inflated wages, United have perhaps given him an inflated sense of self-worth. He was good enough for an unsuccessful United side but not for a successful United side.

West Ham is Maguire's level. A biggish English club playing in European competition with London living to offer. West Ham have recovered from a sedate start to the transfer window with the impressive additions of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse to incentivise any other would-be signings.

But Maguire's move has collapsed. West Ham's £30million offer was accepted and then it went quiet. Maguire's shortfall in wages were said to have scuppered the deal.

Also read: Why United did not move for Neymar

Maguire, 30, is under contract at United for two more years, so he is seeking a form of compensation as his salary would be reduced elsewhere, bar Saudi Arabia.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have been tactically inept and Ralf Rangick powerless, but Maguire's decline is on him. Solskjaer and Rangnick were not in control of Maguire, as if he was a player on Fifa, for his dilatory reactions when he received a pass. Or when he pulled Luke Shaw off his feet to allow Tanguy Ndombele to equalise and start the ball rolling for Tottenham's 6-1 stroll at Old Trafford.

Concern over a reduced salary when Maguire would still be on six figures per week is not going to wash with supporters. Inflation may have fallen but there is a cost of living crisis and the empathy footballers