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Why Man Utd's £80m man Harry Maguire is 'not on the same level' as Virgil van Dijk
HARRY MAGUIRE has a promising future, but is not a “top player” on the same level as Virgil van Dijk, despite Manchester United forking out £80million to sign him from Leicester.
That’s according to former France international Frank Le Beouf.
Maguire looks set to sign for Manchester United in the coming days, putting an end to arguably the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.
The Leicester City star had been heavily linked with a move to United throughout the window, but the Foxes were reluctant to sell.
They attempted to price Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side out of a move by slapping a £80m price tag on his head, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola withdrew from the bidding at that point.
Solskjaer was desperate to improve his defensive reinforcements this summer after a poor Premier League campaign defensively.
The Red Devils conceded 54 goals in the league last season, the second most of any club in the top ten.
And for that reason, United prioritised signing a new centre-back this summer.
On Friday, it appeared that they had finally got their man, after it was widely reported that they had agreed a fee of £80m with Leicester.
Manchester United agree £80 million Harry Maguire deal
But according to Leboeuf, their new man isn’t on the same level as Liverpool star Van Dijk.
“If you compare him with Virgil Van Dijk, I think they are not on the same level,” he said on ESPN FC.
“It’s a big price. I don’t want to compare the price because it’s complicated, but it’s a lot of money.
“He’s a good player, a good player, he had a good World Cup and a good season.
“But I don’t think he’s on the same level as the players I mentioned, I can mention Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, [Georgio] Chiellini and so many others.
“I think that guy has a future. But right now, I don’t think he’s a top player or one of the best players in the world.”
Maguire is due to have a medical at Carrington over the weekend ahead of a deal being confirmed early next week.