Former Premier League player and Liverpool flop Charlie Adam said that Manchester United’s Harry Maguire should not have signed for West Ham United in the summer transfer window.

The Hammers made it clear that they were planning to bring Maguire on board – however, a move failed to materialise, as he chose to remain at Old Trafford.

While Adam acknowledges that a move ‘could’ have taken place, he respected Maguire’s wishes, saying that ‘if they feel that they are good enough to get back into the team or the squad, then obviously they are not going to go.’

What did Charlie Adam say regarding Harry Maguire?

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Adam said: “I think Harry Maguire could have gone to West Ham, I think [Scott] McTominay could have done to West Ham.

“But ultimately, if it is not right for the player, then they are not going to go, are they? If they feel that they are good enough to get back into the team or the squad, then obviously they are not going to go.

“They are not just going to get pushed through the door because your manager says, ‘Well, you can go’. You fight for your place. It’s easy just to give up.”

Would Harry Maguire have fitted into the system at West Ham United?

Adam’s claim that Maguire should not have joined the Hammers is a little bit confusing – because we feel the former Sheffield United man would have been a wonderful addition to West Ham’s setup.

David Moyes has become famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) for his no-nonsense, direct style of play – a technically limited, yet physical defender such as Maguire would have been perfect for a system such as this.

Nevertheless, Adam does have a point. If Maguire himself did not want to sign for West Ham, then there is no point in bringing him to the club. If a player is not 100% committed to the team, they should not be in it.

Maguire seems content to fight for his place at Manchester United – even as his position in the Red Devils’ pecking order falls day by day.