Harry Maguire winning the hearts and minds of Manchester United fans already.
Six years after Alex Ferguson recommended the £4m-valued Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire to new boss David Moyes, the England international has signed for Manchester United.
United confirmed that Maguire had signed on a six-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year. The deal will cost United £80m after two seasons at Leicester, which included 76 appearances and five goals.
In an interview with MUTV, Maguire said, “I am delighted to have signed for this great club.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leicester and would like to thank everyone at the club, and the fans, for their fantastic support over the past two seasons. However, when Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity.
“From my conversations with the manager, I am excited about the vision and plans he has for the team. It’s clear to see that Ole is building a team to win trophies. I am now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting the season started.”
Maguire’s sign-off to Leicester City fans, on social media, should earn him some extra points with the United faithful. He thanked the City supporters and shared a picture of him celebrating a goal against Liverpool, United’s storied rivals.
Massive thank you to @lcfc for your brilliant support and amazing memories. We’ve been through many highs and some real lows but we stuck together. I wish you all the best in the future and I’m sure with a great owner you will keep rising as a club. 💙🦊 #TheBoss #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/1bALmvycOd
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) August 5, 2019
That Maguire goal, scored at Anfield in late January, won his side a point. It cost Liverpool two points – two of only eight they dropped in their final 17 games – and that was the difference between winning the league and, ultimately, losing out to Manchester City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, meanwhile, was delighted to secure the signature of ‘one of the best centre-backs in the game today’. He commented:
“He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch, with the ability to remain calm under pressure – coupled with his composure on the ball and a huge presence in both boxes – I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch.
“He has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club. I would like to welcome Harry to Manchester United and we are looking forward to working with him as we prepare for the new season.”
Maguire will wear the No.5 jersey at United next season, his representatives confirmed.
