Sports

‘I’m disappointed’ – Harry Maguire is no longer the Man Utd captain

Published

10 months ago

July 16, 2023

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has announced he is no longer the club captain..

In a statement via Instagram, Harry Maguire has revealed after talks with manager Erik ten Hag, Manchester United are moving in a different direction with the armband.

Maguire started only eight Premier League games last season, with Bruno Fernandes acting as captain in the majority of games the defender missed.

The defender says he is ‘extremely disappointed’ to be axed as captain, but has pledged to continue to give everything for the club.

Harry Maguire statement
“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.”

Maguire future questions
The decision will fuel the discussion over Harry Maguire’s future. He has just returned to pre-season training and Erik ten Hag has acted decisively with this.

It was in some ways inevitable. Maguire is not a regular starter at centre-back and United need to give the armband to a player who is.

Manchester United are expected to be open to offers for Maguire, with The Mail reporting he is a transfer target for West Ham.

While he may want to stay and fight for his place, the captaincy decision proves he is expendable, and United would gladly recoup some of the money spent in 2019 when the club paid £80 million to Leicester City for his signature.