West Ham United told to complete £70m double raid on Manchester United amid transfer speculation
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has backed Harry Maguire to get back to basics and rediscover his Leicester City-era form for West Ham after the Manchester United centre-back was linked with a move to the London Stadium [The Mirror].
Maguire made an £80million move from the Foxes to Manchester in 2019 but has failed to live up to his price tag in the eyes of many fans and pundits following a series of high-profile mistakes including last season’s Europa League quarter-finals against Sevilla.
But with links of a move away from the Red Devils to join David Moyes’ Hammers, McAvennie believes Maguire can rediscover his form and be an important defensive presence if he gets back to basics.
The former West Ham forward also backed another Manchester United player, Scott McTominay, to join West Ham as he would complement Maguire’s game.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I think he did alright at Leicester. I don’t blame the boy for getting sold [to Manchester United] for £80million, it was nothing to do with him!
“He’s not an £80million player. If you look at Van Dijk and Maguire, it’s completely different.
“If Maguire went to West Ham, David Moyes would say: ‘Go and do your job. Don’t try and mess about, just go and do your job’.
“I think Craig Dawson was one of their better defenders for a long time because there’s no airs or graces about him, he just goes and wins the ball, and that’s what Maguire can do.
“He can go and win the ball and pass it to someone who can play football. Centre halves are not very good at that!
“Maguire can take the pressure off and play his football. He’s a different class, but he can’t get a game and Manchester United.
“West Ham I think will be decent. If they get Scott McTominay in there who can sit and do a job with Maguire behind him.
“If you can get them two for £70million after selling Rice for £105million, that wouldn’t be bad business.”
While there is clearly a good player in Maguire, it has been lost for some time at Manchester United. A step back from the top of world football may be a shrewd move.
A fresh start in a squad on the rise could be the career turning point Maguire has needed.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are unwilling to overspend on Championship star striker.