Maguire stays at United after Pavard deal collapses

The piece analyzes how a planned Pavard move collapsed because Maguire's transfer to West Ham stalled, reshaping United's summer plans and Maguire's position.

Maguire's United future in focus after Pavard collapse

Manchester United were reportedly ready to sign Benjamin Pavard in the summer window two years ago, with reports that a £30m sale of Harry Maguire to West Ham would fund the deal. The plan unravelled as West Ham grew impatient in negotiations, even after Maguire had agreed personal terms. Pavard, then at Bayern Munich, later joined Inter Milan, and United were left to reassess their options. That summer United had already spent heavily on Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, leaving little room under Financial Fair Play rules to press ahead with additional acquisitions without securing Maguire’s sale first.

The episode shows how transfer logistics and budget constraints can ripple across a club’s strategy. It highlights United’s willingness to balance selling assets with buying players, a dance that becomes trickier when a key target like Pavard sits in the balance. Ruben Amorim’s arrival in 2024 added a layer of stability for Maguire, as the defender was included in a leadership group and his contract situation kept him in the conversation despite renewed interest from abroad. The story also illustrates how leadership and resilience can redefine a player’s arc, even as the club navigates a difficult season and a mid-table finish.

Highlights

The next chapter for Maguire will reveal how United tests loyalty against market realities.