Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy at Old Trafford, with the England international’s future at the club now plunged into further doubt
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Football Digest: Harry Maguire needs a fresh start
Harry Maguire has wished his successor as Manchester United captain “every success” - after being unceremoniously dumped by Erik ten Hag.
The England defender confirmed on Sunday that he will no longer wear the Red Devils armband after talks with the Dutchman. It plunges Maguire’s Old Trafford future into even further doubt, after a season where he not only lost his first-team place, but made just eight Premier League starts.
Unwanted by Ten Hag, Maguire has fallen to FIFTH CHOICE in the pecking order at centre-back, behind not only first-choice pair Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, but also Victor Lindelof and left-back Luke Shaw - whom Ten Hag prefers at left-sided centre-back over his international colleague.
In a statement on social media to reveal he was no longer skipper, Maguire insisted he had “done everything I possibly could to help United be successful – on and off the field.”
And to the man who will replace him, he said simply: “I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.”
That man is likely to be Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes, who wore the armband most often under Ten Hag last term. It’s expected that Fernandes, whose leadership qualities Ten Hag has spoken about previously, will take the role full time.
Harry Maguire is no longer Manchester United captain (
Image:
Getty Images)
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Maguire admitted he was disappointed to lose the role, making clear he was not stepping down through choice.
“After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain,” he said. “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.”
Maguire has made over 170 appearances for United since being signed from Leicester for £80million in 2019. He has been linked with a move to West Ham in recent days.
It’s believed United are looking to recoup in the region of £35million for Maguire, but both that fee and his £200k-a-week wages are proving prohibitive to potential suitors.
