Harry Maguire admits Manchester United was long in his thoughts before this summer's move from Leicester City.

Recalling his stint with Sheffield United, Maguire touched on his first run-in with Manchester United, in the 2011 FA Youth Cup final. In his first appearance at Old Trafford, Maguire was knocked unconscious during an aerial battle with Ravel Morrison and was forced from the field prematurely as the Red Devils won 6-3 on aggregate.

Maguire was given a standing ovation by the Old Trafford crowd as he left the field on a stretcher, and the England international, who went on to play for Hull before joining Leicester, has since revealed Manchester United chased him up days later.

“It was just after half-time when it happened," Maguire told Inside United. "I had a clash of heads with Ravel and actually got knocked out.

"It was the only time I've been knocked out in my career, touch wood. It was a nasty blow and I was in hospital overnight.

“Obviously it was disappointing to go off and not see the end of the game when the medals and trophy were presented. But then someone got in touch [from Manchester United] and checked I was okay. They sent me a Man United shirt, and just said: 'Good luck for the future, you're a good, promising young player, keep your head down and so on.'

“It was a nice touch from the club and just shows what a classy club United is."