Harry Maguire has been stripped of the Manchester United captaincy by Erik ten Hag.
Maguire, who was signed by United in an £80 million deal from Leicester City in 2019, lost his place in the team during Ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old started just eight games in the Premier League last term, with Ten Hag preferring Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his centre-back pairing when available.
Ten Hag has now decided that Maguire will no longer remain as the team’s captain, a decision which has left the England international ‘extremely disappointed’.
Bruno Fernandes, who captained United on several occasions in Maguire’s absence last season, is favourite to take the armband on a permanent basis.
In a statement released by Maguire on Sunday, the defender said: ‘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 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 for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.’
Maguire has been heavily linked with a move away from United this summer .
It’s understood that United would be willing to sell Maguire, who remains the world’s most-expensive defender of all time, for a £40m fee.
if he continues to struggle for playing time at United ahead of next summer’s European Championship.
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