Opinion: Harry Maguire’s recent transfer decision is certainly a bold call

The future of Harry Maguire has been the much-talked-about topic amongst Manchester United supporters over the summer, but it seems as though a decision has been made on the defender’s future.

Manchester United were believed to be willing to move the England international onto a new club this summer, with Maguire falling down the pecking order in Erik ten Hag’s plans in recent months, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez being the Dutchman’s first-choice central defensive pairing.

Maguire was linked with a move to West Ham United for a considerable amount of time over the summer, but it’s been widely reported that the 30-year-old has rejected a loan move to the Hammers, which certainly surprised many, who would have thought that the Manchester United man would have been keen to find himself regular game time in the 2023/24 season, with it seemingly unlikely that he’ll feature much for the Red Devils this term.

Maguire has been with Manchester United since 2019, having moved to Old Trafford after catching the eye with a number of impressive performances for Leicester City,

It’s certainly a bold decision by Maguire to stay at Manchester United this season and to fight for his place in the starting XI, and he’ll be hoping that it’s a decision that pays off, especially since he’ll be eager to keep his place in the England team with matches coming up later this year.

A move to West Ham would have presented Maguire with the ideal opportunity to get regular minutes under his belt, which would have given him a strong chance of retaining his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team. However, you’d argue that the likes of John Stones, Lewis Dunk, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are all likely to be ahead of Maguire in the pecking order if his lack of minutes with Manchester United is to continue for much longer.

There’s no doubting that Maguire’s leadership qualities are there for all to see, and it would certainly be of use to England in their upcoming matches, but there has to be serious doubt as to whether he’d be deserving of a spot in the starting XI, especially when his lack of game time throughout this year’s Premier League campaign.

It’s been revealed by experts at mybettingsites.co.uk that Manchester United are priced at 22/1 on Paddy Power to win the 2023/24 Premier League title. Below, you’ll find the betting odds from Paddy Power on the rest of the title favourites for this year’s league campaign.

• Manchester City @ 4/9
• Arsenal @ 6/1
• Liverpool @ 7/1
• Chelsea @ 16/1
• Newcastle United @ 25/1
• Tottenham Hotspur @ 33/1

Odds displayed are correct as of 4:55 pm, Tuesday 29th August 2023. Odds are subject to change.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Maguire’s stance will change anytime soon before the summer transfer window reaches a conclusion, as the wrong decision this summer could cost him his place in the England team.