Harry Maguire has admitted that he is no longer Manchester United‘s captain, with the centre-back expected to leave the club this summer.
Following Erik ten Hag’s appointment as head coach last year, the England international retained the armband, and he started the 2022-23 season in the Red Devils starting XI.
However, poor performances against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford resulted in Maguire losing his starting spot, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane replacing him at the back.
Victor Lindelof has surpassed Maguire in the pecking order, while Luke Shaw was selected ahead of the 30-year-old in the middle of Manchester United’s defence last season.
Maguire started just eight Premier League games this season, and he is now being linked with a move away from the 20-time English champions.
West Ham United and Newcastle United are both said to be interested in the former Sheffield United teenager, who returned to Man United pre-season training on Saturday.
Maguire to lose his Manchester United armband to Bruno Fernandes
The defender has disclosed that he has been stripped of his club leadership, with Bruno Fernandes generally likely to be crowned the new skipper, having worn the armband in Maguire’s absence last season.
“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,”
Maguire wrote on his official Twitter account.
“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.”
Maguire might play in Manchester United’s second pre-season friendly of the summer against Lyon on Wednesday afternoon.
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