"Is this a joke?" - Man Utd's massive Harry Maguire valuation could deny defender move, fans are stunned

Manchester United’s valuation of Harry Maguire could prevent him from leaving the club this summer.

Maguire has endured a torrid time at United in recent seasons and has been tipped to depart the Old Trafford club this summer. Indeed, the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and West Ham have been heavily linked with the England international in the past few months.

The 30-year-old started just eight Premier League games last term, having fallen behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw in the defensive pecking order.

And with little chance of game time increasing, The Sun claimed over the weekend that Maguire was set to be stripped of the captaincy.

United boss Erik ten Hag will reportedly speak to his squad in the coming days for the view on the matter, with Bruno Fernandes thought to be the most likely player to inherit the armband.

While the above suggests Maguire’s days at United are numbered, suitors could be deterred by the centre-back’s transfer fee.

Maguire’s transfer fee

According to Manchester Evening News, United have valued Maguire at £50million as a starting price, a figure that is unlikely to be offered by any club.

The Old Trafford club are eager to recoup as much of the £80million they paid for Maguire back in 2019.

Although the player’s international pedigree maintains some resale value, he started only 16 games for United last season, half of which were in domestic cups.

Fans on Twitter expressed dismay at the reported transfer fee.

StrawbzG said: “Not a single team in the world will pay 50m+ for a 10m player.”

Meanwhile, NUFCJordd sarcastically enquired: “Does that mean Fabian Schar is worth £75m?”

Similarly, MrProWestie said: “Rob Holding is now worth £40M guys!”

B30Yass simply said: “Is this a joke?”

While Maguire is not pushing for a move, Gareth Southgate warned the defender’s lack of playing time could compromise his place in the England team for the European Championship next June.

The England boss has already touted Levi Colwill and Taylor Harwood-Bellis for the senior team after the Under-21s' European Championship final victory over Spain.