LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Harry Maguire has disclosed that he has lost his position as Manchester United’s captain following crucial discussions with Erik Ten Hag.
Just six months after joining to Old Trafford from Leicester City and becoming the most expensive defender in the world, Maguire initially took over as United’s starting center after Ashley Young left for Inter in January 2020.
After difficult discussions with Erik Ten Hag, Harry Maguire has disclosed that he has lost his position as Manchester United’s captain.
Six months after joining to Old Trafford from Leicester City and becoming the most expensive defender in the world, Maguire initially took over as United’s starting center after Ashley Young left for Inter in January 2020.
Prior to Ten Hag’s election as manager last year, the 30-year-old was a mainstay in the center of the Red Devils’ defense.
In 2023–2024, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez passed Maguire in the squad’s hierarchy, raising serious doubts about his position as captain and long-term viability at the club.
Ten Hag has now informed Maguire that he will be changing captain ahead of the new season, which has left the defender “extremely disappointed“.
The England international confirmed the news in a post on social media, which read: “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.
READ ALSO: No Ongoing Negotiations Between Man Utd, Chelsea For Harry Maguire – Report
“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. Harry.”
United have added in an official statement of their own: “Everyone at Manchester United thanks Harry for his contribution as captain over the past three-and-a-half years. The manager will announce the new captain in due course, after he has informed the players.”
Having carried the armband for the majority of last season while Maguire sat on the sidelines, Bruno Fernandes is currently the overwhelming favorite to be named United’s new permanent captain.
After his announcement, speculation about Maguire leaving Old Trafford is likely to pick up steam. West Ham and Aston Villa are two teams that have been mentioned as potential destinations for the seasoned center-back.
Maguire was given additional time off to recover from his international efforts with England in June, so he missed United’s first preseason game against Leeds last week.
He might be eligible to play against Lyon in a friendly on July 19, but he’ll likely have to answer additional questions about his future before United’s tour of the United States kicks off three days later.