Sports

Harry Maguire stripped of Man United captaincy

England defender, Harry Maguire, has been stripped of the Manchester United captaincy by the club’s manager, 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 defender 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”.

Portugal midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, who captained United on several occasions in Maguire’s absence last season, is favourite to take the armband on a permanent basis.

READ ALSO: Transfer: Arsenal’s Partey agrees Saudi move, West Ham target Maguire

Maguire, in a statement on Sunday, 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 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 has been heavily linked with a move away from United this summer with West Ham among the clubs interested in a deal for the defender.

It’s understood that United would be willing to sell Maguire, who remains the world’s most-expensive defender of all time, for a £40 million fee.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Yuletide: Poultry farmers assure adequate supply of chicken, eggs at reduced prices

The Lagos State chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has assured residents of…

7 minutes ago

Bayelsa declares three-day mourning for late Dep Gov

The Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the late…

29 minutes ago

TCN begins major rehabilitation of Port Harcourt transmission lines

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has officially commenced the rehabilitation of two critical transmission…

33 minutes ago

Bayelsa govt breaks silence on deputy gov’s death, declares 3-day mourning

The Bayelsa State Government has confirmed the death of the Deputy Governor, Dr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,…

2 hours ago

US court sentences crypto mogul to prison over $40bn fraud

A United States court has sentenced cryptocurrency tycoon Do Kwon to 15 years in prison…

2 hours ago

2027: NNPP launches nationwide hunt for credible politicians

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has instructed its state executives across the country to…

3 hours ago

This website uses cookies.