Harry Maguire could now leave Manchester United this summer (Getty)
Manchester United have confirmed that their new captain will be announced ‘in due course’ following Erik ten Hag’s decision to take the armband away from Harry Maguire.
Maguire revealed on Sunday that he has been stripped of the United captaincy following a meeting with Ten Hag.
The 30-year-old, who remains the world’s most-expensive defender following his £80 million move from Leicester City in 2019, has said he is ‘extremely disappointed’ with Ten Hag’s decision.
A statement released by United on Sunday evening read: ‘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.’
Harry Maguire says he is ‘extremely disappointed’ with Erik ten Hag’s decision to replace him as Manchester United captain (Getty)
Bruno Fernandes, who captained United on several occasions in Maguire’s absence last season, is now favourite to take the armband.
In a statement released by Maguire on Sunday, the defender 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 started just eight Premier League games last season having lost his place in the team with Ten Hag preferring Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his centre-back pairing.
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Ruthless decision by Erik ten Hag.
