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

Gold rises above $5,100 for first time

Gold prices extended record-setting rally to surge past $5,100 on Monday, January 26, 2026, as…

4 hours ago

Kano 2027: Ganduje assures Yusuf of victory as gov rejoins APC

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has assured Kano…

4 hours ago

NCS records ₦7.28trn revenue in 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated ₦7.28 trillion in revenue in 2025, exceeding its ₦6.58…

5 hours ago

Kwankwaso’s son resigns as Kano commissioner

Mustapha Kwankwaso, son of Kwankwasiyya leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has resigned his position as Kano…

5 hours ago

Alleged coup plot: Military to court-martial 16 officers – DHQ

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has concluded investigations into 16 officers arrested over acts…

5 hours ago

Governor Yusuf officially joins APC

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading a…

6 hours ago

This website uses cookies.