Harry Maguire was determined to join Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United new boy Harry Maguire turned down an offer of £278,000-a-week at rivals Manchester City to complete a dream move to Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old joined United from Leicester City this summer for a fee of £80m – a world record price for a defender.

Pep Guardiola admitted City’s interest in Maguire following his move to the Theatre of Dreams and praised United for their success in landing the England international.

And the Daily Star claim that Maguire had a straight choice between the two clubs but opted for United.


United beat City to Maguire’s signature (Picture: Getty)

City were said to be willing to pay him around £278,000-a-week a week but money was not a motivation for Maguire.



Instead, the defender is believed to be on wages of around £180,000-a-week at United and is in line to be made captain next season.

Guardiola claimed following Maguire’s move that City could not afford the £80m fee.

‘He’s an excellent, top-class player,’ said Guardiola.

‘We were interested but could not afford it.”

‘United could afford it. He had an incredible World Cup. He’s strong in the air, good with the ball and builds it up, he’s so fast. He’s young. Congratulations to United.’

Maguire trained just three times with his new team-mates before his man of the match display in a 4-0 rout against Chelsea last weekend.

The defender is expected to start alongside Victor Lindelof again on Monday when United look to build on their start against Wolves at Molineux.

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