Harry Maguire still intends to fight for his place at Man United after the Red Devils rejected a £20m offer for the England star

Harry Maguire intends to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place, in the wake of the club rejecting a £20million offer from West Ham for the defender. 

The Hammers are keen to recruit Maguire, but after their opening offer was knocked back by United they are unlikely to return with an improved bid, due to the player’s wage demands. 

United would demand £35m for the England man, but will not force him into a move and the player is happy to fight for a first team spot in Erik ten Hag’s side. 

Maguire will look to battle with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez – who have taken over as the club’s starting central defenders – and Victor Lindelof for a place in the side. 

The Red Devils are hoping that having taken the burden of the captaincy away from Maguire, he can recapture the form that made United pay Leicester £80m for him in 2019. 

Harry Maguire is happy to stay at Man Utd and fight for a first-team place under Erik ten Hag 

The Man Utd boss hopes losing the captaincy will lessen the burden on Maguire next season 

West Ham remain keen on signing Maguire but can’t afford an improved bid for the defender 

The 30-year-old was stripped of the armband earlier this month, with Bruno Fernandes made the new club captain ahead of the new campaign. 

Speaking about his decision during the club’s US tour, Ten Hag believes it could be a positive thing for Maguire. 

‘I think everyone can understand that for a player it’s a disappointment but it can work out very good for the team and for Harry.’ The Dutchman said. 

‘He’s an important player. We need four centre backs minimum. You have seen last season we played so many games and we are really pleased to have Harry in our squad.

‘We need more than 11 players. We need that competition so he can fight himself in the team.

‘He has potential and it’s up to him to get his position. Now we can focus more on his role. 

Maguire has been replaced as Man Utd captain by Bruno Fernandes ahead of the new season

With Euro 2024 at the end of the season Maguire knows he will need first-team football 

‘A centre back has to communicate and organise. It’s a big area where you have to perform as a centre half, there is prevention that you have to come into action.’

Maguire played just 16 times in the Premier League last season, making 31 appearances in total as United finished finished third and qualified for the Champions League.

There was also a League Cup win for the Red Devils, but Maguire only saw a handful of minutes of action in the final as a late substitute. 

Maguire will know it is a crucial season with Euro 2024 next summer, and although he has remained a key member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad, another bit-part campaign at Old Trafford could be a concern for the Three Lions boss.