Harry Maguire confirmed on Sunday that manager Erik ten Hag had chosen to rehome the captain’s armband next season. Hardly a surprising decision given that the now ex-captain made just eight Premier League appearances last season for the Red Devils, and has been pegged for an exit this summer in an attempt to find more regular game time.
This could be the final nail in the coffin for Harry Maguire at Manchester United. Given his minor role for the Red Devils last season, making just eight Premier League appearances, there had been speculation that he would no longer wear the captain’s armband in the coming season.
The Englishman confirmed on Sunday that manager Erik ten Hag had indeed decided to change captains, writing that the Dutchman had “outlined his reasons … and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt”.
It’s unclear how long that will actually be, as he has been linked with a move to West Ham United, as he looks to get more minutes to keep his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the 2024 Euros.
Maguire has made over 170 appearances for United since being signed from Leicester for £80 million ($105 million, 93 million euros) in 2019. But the past two seasons have seen him become the butt of social media jokes following some high-profile errors on United duty, although he has remained an England regular under Southgate.
“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”, he continued.
“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”.
He ended his message by thanking Ten Hag’s predecessor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who gave him the role just five months after his arrival from Leicester City. It is likely he will be replaced by Bruno Fernandes, who took over when the defender was on the bench.
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.
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) July 16, 2023
So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the… pic.twitter.com/TAOS0eisF1