Michail Antonio speaks out about West Ham United transfer developments
Michail Antonio has shared his verdict on Harry Maguire’s possible move to West Ham United and claims bullying has made him the “shadow” of his former self.
The current Hammers forward discussed Maguire’s potential move on BBC’s Footballer’s Football Podcast (15 August), suggesting how personal factors will be impacting Maguire in his decision to leave Manchester United.
However, he cites the “bullying” the former United captain has received since moving to Manchester 2019 as being the reason behind his regression as a player.
Speaking on the podcast, Antonio said: “He needs to think about if he wants to move down to London. I’m pretty sure he’s a northern boy anyway. So there’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes that he needs to figure out in his own mind if he was to leave one of the biggest clubs in the world if he wants to keep fighting for his opportunity.
“I actually feel like he’s a quality player. Once he gets his confidence back and people stop ripping into him and give him an actual opportunity to showcase himself again, I feel like he will actually do well.
“I think it’s bullying, I’m saying it straight. How well and how quality the boy has been playing to the stage where he’s now a shadow of his man, a shadow of himself. Before when he was at Hull and Leicester, he was driving the ball, beating people, finding passes. Now, when he gets on the ball he looks nervous. He was never that type of player.
“Possibly leaving Manchester United could make him better because a lot of the stuff is coming from the inside than the outside.”
Shadow
Antonio is correct in his assessment of Maguire. His significant drop in form since his Leicester City days can be attributed to many factors, but the often relentless criticism aimed towards the 30-year-old can be tough to deal with.
While the centre-back has not always carried himself in glory with some high-profile mistakes, the often relentless hate aimed towards the Euro 2020 finalist has felt excessive.
However, a deal for the England international to move to the London Stadium is looking more and more unlikely, with Fabrizio Romano tweeting (15 August) that the deal is off. However, transfer sagas can always take twists and turns.
Either way, Antonio’s honesty about a possible new teammate is refreshing and also reflects Maguire’s potential reputation in the eyes of other professionals.
Maguire himself would most likely benefit greatly with a move away from Eric ten Hag’s side, but financial complications and Manchester United’s fears about a thinning defence seem to have put and to it.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have tabled an offer to hijack a Manchester City forward target.