Manchester United defender Harry Maguire reveals truth behind failed West Ham move

Harry Maguire has dismissed claims he turned down a move to West Ham in the summer transfer window because they were not a big enough club for him.

The 30-year-old could have joined David Moyes' side at the end of last season but remained at Manchester United, where he chose to fight for his place in an attempt to revive his club career.

Maguire has had to accept a reduced role under Erik ten Hag and has featured in just four of their 11 matches this campaign, even having to compete with veteran Jonny Evans for a place on the bench.

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The England international proved his worth with an impressive individual display against Brentford at the weekend and could retain a place in the line-up when United travel to face Maguire's former side Sheffield United next week.

Maguire's lack of minutes at club level has not seen him lose his place at international level yet, but he might well look to move next year in order to play regularly.

Asked about the failed move to West Ham, the United defender told a press conference: "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 both clubs and myself. So it wasn’t just my chance to say ‘Yes and I’m going’.

“It wasn’t agreed between both clubs so the actual opportunity wasn’t there because we didn’t get far enough down the line with it.

“But West Ham is a massive club. But like I said my full focus is still on Manchester United, I want to fight for my place but of course regular game time is really important to me.”