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

Tinubu fulfils Birnin Gwari road promise — Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has commended President Bola Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promise…

7 hours ago

Zenith Bank confirms cyberattack, says limited customer data compromised

Zenith Bank has confirmed that hackers breached its database, resulting in the compromise of limited…

7 hours ago

Tinubu unveils Africa’s first Renewable Energy College

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is poised to lead Africa's renewable energy revolution…

8 hours ago

I’m CR7’s die-hard fan — Davido

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has revealed that he is a devoted…

8 hours ago

Nigeria to spend N924bn on Army, Navy, Air Force personnel’s salary

The Federal Government of Nigeria is to spend N924 billion yearly as salary bill for…

8 hours ago

Lagos govt empowers 40,000 residents with business tools to boost SMEs

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his administration has empowered about 40,000 residents…

8 hours ago

This website uses cookies.