Manchester United reportedly turned down the chance to sign Harry Maguire from Hull City last summer for a meagre sum of £15 million.
According to a report by The Irish Independent, Manchester United could have landed Harry Maguire on the cheap, had they taken up the opportunity to snap him up from Hull City last summer. The Red Devils were after the English international last summer, but were thwarted by Leicester City in their pursuit.
Maguire has seen his stock skyrocket after a solid debut campaign, before continuing his strong form at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old was one of the best performers for England, which subsequently saw him become a hot property in the transfer market.
Among those who were credited with interest in the player, Manchester United were the suitors who were linked the most heavily. The English international was, in fact, one of several defenders who were thought to be on Jose Mourinho’s wishlist for the summer, as the manager looked to bolster his backline.
Maguire, with his qualities on the ball as well as prowess in the air, could have been a top signing for Manchester United, who only faced disappointment in their bid to bolster the heart of defence. In their desperation for a new centre-back, the Red Devils were also reportedly ready to lodge a world record £100 million bid for Raphael Varane.
But, it wasn’t to be for Manchester United in the end, as they ended the summer transfer window with just three signings, none of them being the much-yearned-for centre-back. In Maguire’s case, Leicester City stuck to their guns and kept hold of their prized asset, having slapped a price tag of around £80 million on him.
Manchester United were understandably hesitant to pay the sum for him, although as it now turns out, they could have landed Maguire in a much cheaper deal. The player was offered to them for just £15 million last summer before he completed his move away from Hull City to join Leicester, who paid £12 million to sign him.
However, the Red Devils passed up the opportunity to sign him, with Victor Lindelof being the preferred signing for Mourinho. With Maguire’s value now soaring, Manchester United could just be regretting the chance that they failed to take up, if the report indeed is true.
Mourinho will now have to work with the resources he already has, although if the performances of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are anything to go by, the manager could have a solid duo for the campaign. As far as Maguire is concerned, he seems focused on the season ahead after a decent start against Manchester United in the Premier League opener.
