GARY NEVILLE has accused Manchester United of “trying to manage Harry Maguire out of the club”.
The world’s most expensive defender is on the brink of leaving Old Trafford and joining West Ham after being stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag.
Maguire started United’s season opener against Wolves on the bench and was further snubbed by his manager when Victor Lindelof was brought on at half time to replace the booked Lisandro Martinez.
When asked if the booking prompted Ten Hag to sub Martinez, former Red Devil and Sky Sports pundit Neville said: “One hundred per cent.
“Martinez tonight looks a little rash in his performance. I think he’s one away from being booked.”
Neville, 48, then said: “They’re trying to manage Harry Maguire out of the club and get their money for him there is no doubt about that.”
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Maguire, 30, was on course to finalise his move to West Ham last week after the Hammers agreed a £30million deal for the England international.
The exit was made even more imminent after United agreed to give the defender a £6m pay-off.
But the deal is hanging on a knife edge after Maguire demanded his pay-off package be upped.
SunSport exclusively revealed the centre-back is now demanding the Red Devils brass give him a cool £15m for him to leave The Theatre of Dreams.
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Maguire’s sensational demand came after Ten Hag challenged him to fight for his place in the starting XI.
The former Ajax boss said: “He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back.
“He is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us?
“But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision.
“But I’m happy with him.”
United ran out 1-0 winners over Wolves thanks to a second-half header from Raphael Varane.
Ten Hag’s troops will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to North London to take on Tottenham.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
