Man Utd reject £20m West Ham bid as summer exit is now deemed ‘unlikely’ for two key reasons

Manchester United have rejected West Ham’s opening offer for Harry Maguire with the transfer now deemed ‘unlikely’ for two key reasons.

Maguire joined Man Utd in the summer of 2019 for a fee of £80m. He has gone on to rack up 175 appearances for the club but is now being linked with a move away.

Given he was only used as a squad player last season, the exit links this summer were inevitable. Erik ten Hag has told Maguire he is still in his plans, although there is the feeling that Man Utd would cash in at the right price.

With West Ham seemingly keen to splash some of their Declan Rice money, they have been heavily linked with Maguire and Scott McTominay of late.

The Hammers have lodged their opening bid for Maguire, although they have been unsuccessful in their first attempt to sign him.

According to David Ornstein, Man Utd have rejected West Ham’s opening offer of £20m. David Moyes is keen on signing the 30-year-old, but a deal could prove difficult.

Ornstein states that West Ham are ‘unlikely’ to push again for the defender as they are under the impression he wants to fight for his place under Ten Hag.

Maguire’s salary could also prove to be an issue, with the Hammers seemingly reluctant to match his current wage at Old Trafford.

What should Maguire do?

While the 30-year-old is seemingly keen to fight for his place, a fresh start could be the best thing for his career right now.

Maguire only started in eight league matches last season and he is firmly behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.

The Man Utd star will also be keen to maintain his spot in the England squad. Even Gareth Southgate has admitted that it would be tough to continue selecting him if he isn’t playing games at club level.

Clinton Morrison has urged Maguire to carefully consider his future as his England career is deemed to be on the line.

“Harry Maguire needs to leave Manchester United for his own sake. No one likes to leave a club like that as they’re one of the biggest in the world, but Maguire has to think of himself,” the pundit told Sky Sports.

“You’d walk up the motorway to sign for that club and they’re still huge given their fanbase. But the problem with Maguire is that his England career is on the line.

“He’ll always get picked by Gareth Southgate but he may not be a regular if he’s not playing club football. I don’t see him playing at United as he’s now their fourth-choice centre-back.

“I know you get injuries and Erik ten Hag has said he wants to keep Maguire, but it’s best for the player if he moves on and he still has a lot to offer to many other Premier League clubs.”

READ MORE: Deal off as Ten Hag aborts Man Utd transfer, but second move now ‘likely’