Harry Maguire has announced he is no longer Manchester United captain, after talks with Erik ten Hag.
The England centre-back, who was appointed club captain in January 2020 by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, said he was “extremely disappointed” with the decision.
After starting the first two matches of the 2022-23 campaign, Maguire fell out of favour under Ten Hag, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof preferred in central defence. The 30-year-old was restricted to 16 Premier League appearances last season and Bruno Fernandes captained the side in his absence.
“After discussions with the manager he has informed me he is changing captain,” Maguire wrote on social media. “He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.
“So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband.
“Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. It’s one of the greatest honours in club football. I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful — on and off the field.
“I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.”
Maguire joined United from Leicester for £80million in the summer of 2019.
The Athletic has reported that the centre-back, whose contract runs until 2025, intends to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford despite his lack of minutes last season.
England manager Gareth Southgate indicated last month that a lack of playing time at United could impact Maguire’s international career.
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Harry Maguire: What happened?
(Photo: Getty Images)
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