Ten Hag Removes Maguire As Man Utd Captain

Maguire has been the target of social media jokes for the previous two seasons as a result of numerous prominent mistakes made while representing United.

After speaking with manager Erik ten Hag, Harry Maguire said on Sunday that he is no longer captain of Manchester United.

Following Maguire’s sparse appearances under the Dutch manager last season, reports earlier this month stated Ten Hag was planning to demote the England international from the position.

Only eight Premier League starts for the centre back led to questions about his future with the English powerhouses.

With Maguire tweeting: “After discussions with the manager today, he has informed me he is changing captain,” it is now clear that he will no longer serve as Old Trafford’s captain.

Although I am personally very upset, I will continue to give it my all each time I wear the shirt because he explained his reasoning to me.

“So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their fantastic support while I’ve been wearing the armband,” the 30-year-old continued.

It has been a tremendous honour and one of the proudest experiences of my career thus far to lead Manchester United since the day I assumed the position, three and a half years ago.

“It ranks among the top honours in club football. I’ve exerted every effort, both on and off the pitch, to support United’s success.

“I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for initially entrusting me with the responsibility, and I wish whoever assumes it going forward every success and they will have my full support,” said Solskjaer.

The Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes is the favourites to be granted the position on a permanent basis because he was the captain most frequently named during Maguire’s absence last season.

Since being acquired by United for £80 million ($105 million, 93 million euros) from Leicester in 2019, Maguire has made over 170 appearances for the club.

Although he has continued to play regularly for England under manager Gareth Southgate, Maguire has become the brunt of social media jokes over the past two seasons as a result of numerous high-profile mistakes while representing United.

Maguire has recently been linked with a move to Premier League rivals West Ham after the signing of Argentinean Lisandro Martinez also limited his first-team appearances at Old Trafford last season.

AFP