Harry Maguire ‘extremely disappointed’ to lose Manchester United club captaincy after Erik ten Hag talks
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Updated 16/07/2023 at 16:15 GMT
Erik ten Hag has stripped Harry Maguire of the Manchester United club captaincy, according to the England defender. Maguire announced the decision on Twitter on Sunday afternoon, saying that he had held talks with the Dutchman and that he accepted his choice. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are both seen as frontrunners for the role for the coming season.
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Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has said that he is “extremely disappointed” to lose the club captaincy but vowed to stay committed on the pitch.
Maguire joined United for £80 million in 2019 and was made captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in January 2020 when Ashley Young left to join Inter Milan.
The former Leicester City defender was first choice for most of his first three seasons with the club but when Erik ten Hag arrived in 2022, he was pushed down the pecking order after the signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
While Maguire was given the chance to play 31 times over the course of the season in all competitions, his chances largely came about when there were injuries to Raphael Varane, Martinez, and Victor Lindelof, who had relegated him to fourth choice under the Dutch manager.
When Maguire did not start, midfielders Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were often given the armband in his place and it is likely that one of the two will be given the role on a permanent basis for the coming season.
Writing on Twitter, Maguire confirmed: “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. 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.
“Harry”.
It is widely believed that United are keen to sell Maguire this summer to raise funds for other transfers, and Europa Conference League winners West Ham are reportedly keen to sign the player.
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