Jose Mourinho warned off Manchester United signing former Leicester City defender Harry Maguire while in charge at Old Trafford.

Maguire, 26, became the world's most expensive defender last summer when he moved to Old Trafford from Leicester in a deal worth £80million.

But a year earlier, United backed out of talks with the Foxes when Mourinho told club bosses that paying a penny more than £50million would “embarrass him."

A club insider told the Mirror: “A move was made for Maguire in the summer of 2018 – with Jose Mourinho's blessing.

“But Jose's interest in signing the player came with a proviso. He said that while Maguire was an excellent player, he wasn't worth more than £50million.

“In fact, he said paying more than £50million would embarrass him.

“The club was armed with that valuation when they spoke to Leicester – who immediately made it clear they would not sell Maguire for less than £60million.

“The deal was dead before United had even made a formal bid – and when it was decided to move for Maguire again a year later, his price had gone up to £80million."