Saliba, Varane and Other Maguire Alternatives Manchester United Considered in 2019

• Harry Maguire's time at Manchester United is nearing its end after an agreement with West Ham
• The world's most expensive defender was not a hit for United for the price of £80m
• The Red Devils considered other options before settling for the former Leicester City defender in 2019

Harry Maguire is set to leave Manchester United after four years as he nears a move to West Ham for a cut price of £30m, much lower than what the club paid for him in 2019.

It's hard to argue that he started pretty well in his first season at Old Trafford. But his time there descended into chaos and disaster as time went on. Erik ten Hag's arrival spelt the end for the England international.

Typical of how every transfer works, he wasn't United's only option in 2019. Sports Brief looks at the other five alternatives, as first analysed by Planet Football.

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1. Raphael Varane

Varane was sensationally linked to a swap deal involving his compatriot Paul Pogba in 2019, but he was quick to shut it down. Two years later, he joined the club and has been a mainstay in the defence. The former Real Madrid defender's presence contributed to his Maguire's undoing.

2. Samuel Umtiti

Umtiti gave it all to help France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and prompted Manchester United's interest in him. The Guardian reported United were willing to pay £40m, half of what they eventually paid for Maguire. He had a string of injuries since then and has not been the same again. He now plays for Lille.

3. William Saliba

Saliba is another French defender who was at Saint Etienne at that time and moved to Arsenal shortly after. He turned down United, having already spoken to the Gunners and felt a loyal obligation to them. He broke into Mikel Arteta's first team last year and was named in the team of the season.

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4. Nikola Milenkovic

The versatile Serbian, who can also play as a right-back, was approached in 2019, but Fiorentina turned down United's offer. His name was mentioned around the club again in 2021 and last summer, but a move never materialised, and he remained in Florence.

5. Issa Diop

Sky Sports reported that Manchester United were willing to go as high as £45m for Diop after an impressive debut season in 2019, but West Ham were holding out for £60m. The Hammers eventually sold him to London rivals Fulham last summer for just £15m.

Maguire's meme-worthy moments

Sports Brief reported on Maguire's meme-worthy moments going viral shortly after the news broke of an agreement with West Ham over his move to the London club.

The 30-year-old was a delight to watch for rival fans, who enjoy his misplaced passes, pre-game gestures, and taking out teammates with tackles and high boots.