Harry Maguire stripped of Manchester United captaincy

Harry Maguire has disclosed that he has been stripped of the captaincy at Manchester United after crucial discussions with Erik Ten Hag.

Initially taking on the armband at United following Ashley Young’s departure to Inter in January 2020, Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when he joined Old Trafford from Leicester City six months earlier.

The 30-year-old remained a key figure in the heart of the Red Devils’ defense until Ten Hag’s appointment as manager last year.

However, in the 2023-24 season, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez surpassed Maguire in the squad hierarchy, raising significant doubts about his captaincy and future at the club.

Ten Hag has now informed Maguire of his decision to change the captain ahead of the upcoming season, leaving the defender “extremely disappointed.”

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.