Man Utd sign Maguire in record fee for defender

Published on: 05 August 2019

Paul Mariner says Harry Maguire will need to get better to prove he's worth Manchester United making him the most expensive defender of all-time.

Stewart Robson and Steve Nicol assess what Harry Maguire would bring to Manchester United while Gab Marcotti isn't convinced the deal will get done.

Manchester United have signed England international defender Harry Maguire from Leicester on a six-year deal.

Sources told ESPN FC on Friday that United agreed to pay Leicester £80 million, which represents a world record fee for a defender, surpassing the £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in 2018.

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"I am delighted to have signed for this great club," Maguire said.

"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," the 26-year-old continued. "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 [Gunnar Solskjaer] is building a team to win trophies.

"I am now looking forward to meeting my new teammates and getting the season started."

Leicester were holding out for a bid of £90m for Maguire before agreeing to a compromise.

The 26-year-old underwent a medical over the weekend before signing a five-year contract and will be eligible to make his United debut against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United manager Solskjaer said of the signing: "Harry is one of the best centre-backs in the game today and I am delighted we have secured his signature.

"He is a great reader of the game and has a strong presence on the pitch with the ability to remain calm under pressure.

"I can see he will fit well into this group both on and off the pitch," Solskjaer added. "He has a great personality and is a fantastic addition to the club."

Maguire played 76 games in two seasons at Leicester after arriving for £17m from Hull City in 2017.

Source: espn.co.uk

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