West Ham United: Harry Maguire transfer on cards after Manchester United claim
Frank McAvennie has urged Harry Maguire to join West Ham this summer after suggesting the Manchester United shirt can weigh heavy on players.
The former Hammers man insisted the London Stadium would be a better fit for Maguire as he is a better player than the current options in his position.
He has previously been vocal about his frustration with both Kurt Zouma and Konstantinos Mavropanos after their performances this season, and now expects Maguire to replace them.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – admits to being impressed by Maguire’s international performances, despite confessing he “didn’t have the best game” against Brazil.
“I think he’s done well and I think he’s better than what we’ve got. I wanted him to sign last year, he’s definitely better than what we’ve got,” McAvennie insisted.
“Sometimes the [Manchester United] jersey is a bit heavy on people. I think West Ham would be a great club for him.
“I watch what he does for England, he didn’t have the best game against Brazil and in the last couple of games, he’s not been that good. In friendlies, he’s not been very good but when it comes to the competitions and tournaments he’s been outstanding.
“I would like him at West Ham, yeah.“
Could West Ham sign Harry Maguire from Manchester United?
Given the level of West Ham’s interest in Maguire since last summer, if the opportunity to sign him arises again, it would not come as a shock to see them putting their hat in the ring again at the London Stadium.
McAvennie’s assessment of the pressure the defender faced at Manchester United is accurate, players often can’t cope with the expectation of such a big step, especially after being handed the captain’s armband, so a move to West Ham could suit Maguire.
The former Hammer has also been critical of the current centre-back pairing at the London Stadium, with Zouma and Mavropanos coming under plenty of criticism for their inconsistent and mistake-prone performances.
Maguire would also bring international experience, as McAvennie pointed to, and European experience to the role and, despite some mistake-ridden performances at times, his general level is higher than the club’s current options.
In other West Ham news, Micah Richards fumed at Alan Shearer after his Newcastle claim.
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