Harry Maguire’s anticipated transfer to West Ham has been called off, as the defender is determined to remain at Manchester United and compete for a place in the starting lineup.

The 30-year-old English defender seemed poised to join West Ham, with both clubs agreeing on a £30 million transfer fee.

Maguire faced challenges in securing regular playing time last season and was subsequently stripped of the captaincy this term.

Despite these circumstances, Manchester United maintained their commitment to respecting Maguire’s wishes and refrained from pressuring him to leave the club.

A source closely associated with the player explained that although Maguire has immense respect for West Ham and their manager David Moyes, there was never a formal agreement regarding his personal terms.

The source added, “Harry is content at United, holds a deep affection for the club, and is confident he will have ample opportunities to contribute on the field this season.”

In the recent 1-0 victory against Wolves, Maguire was listed on the bench but didn’t make an appearance, even though manager Erik ten Hag utilized five substitutions, including replacing the center defender Martinez with Victor Lindelof during the break.

Before the match, Ten Hag suggested that Maguire would be better off departing from United if he lacks the self-assurance to compete for a spot in the starting lineup.

Back in 2019, United paid a record-breaking £80 million to Leicester City to secure Maguire’s services, making him the world’s most expensive defender. His initial stint with the club showed promise, earning him the captain’s armband under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Nonetheless, his journey took a downward turn after an incident in Mykonos, which led to a 21-month suspended sentence for assaulting a police officer and attempting bribery. This off-field incident appeared to impact his performance on the pitch.

Subsequently, a rift with Cristiano Ronaldo over the captaincy emerged, and his Cheshire residence was targeted in a bomb threat.

In light of mounting criticism and a visible dent in his confidence, Maguire faced jeers from certain fans during pre-season games. Despite this, Ten Hag expressed belief in Maguire’s potential to play a significant role in the upcoming season.

Hammers forward Michail Antonio shared his perspective on Maguire’s situation, stating, “I believe he’s a skilled player, and once he regains his confidence and is given an opportunity to showcase his abilities without excessive scrutiny, he’ll thrive.”

Antonio continued, “He’s endured a considerable transformation from his earlier form, and leaving United might provide a fresh start to revive his career.”

While acknowledging the managerial changes, Antonio emphasized that Maguire’s struggles seem rooted in his association with Manchester United, suggesting that a new environment could help him regain his form and reinvent himself.