Harry Maguire, 30, has just been stripped of his captaincy role at Manchester United by the ruthless manager, Erik ten Haag, and this is another sign of the uncertainty of his future at the club.
 |
| Harry Maguire is close to United’s exit door |
The English centre-back came under yet more intense criticism last season, after he was pivotal in Manchester United’s crash out of the UEFA Europa League against eventual champions, Sevilla. And it seems that this summer could be the one in which he gets axed from the club.
Ten Haag is a manager renowned for his firmness and ruthlessness, and he has demonstrated that time and time again at Manchester United. From his handling of Ronaldo's dismal exit to his punishment for Rashford’s lateness (at a time when he was United’s best goal threat), even his role in De Gea’s eventual departure and now Maguire gradual “exile”, the Dutchman has immensely effected an element of seriousness with Manchester United and the former captain seems not to even be immune to it.
 |
| Erik ten Haag has made the hard decisions and stood by them |
Harry Maguire was always tipped to be close to the exit door before the season even ended, as Ten Haag limited his paying time whilst he fell down the pecking order, but not many predicted that he'd be stripped of the captain's arm band before he headed out. And yet again, Ten Haag has shown that he'll be relentless and direct in his pursuit of success at Manchester United.
While it is yet to be confirmed who will replace the defender as the Man United skipper, but it likely going to be Bruno Fernandes, as he wore the armband for much of last season as Maguire sat 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
The 30-year-old centre-back took to Twitter to announce the news on Sunday and stated that he is “extremely disappointed” over the United manager’s decision but will continue to give his all every time he wears the shirt. But that remains to be seen because he could well be out of the club before the end of the transfer window.
A lot of Premier League clubs are interested in the defender, with West Ham looking like the leader of the pack. The Hammers could look to spend the profits from their sale of Declan Rice by reinforcing their defence, as they would be playing in Europe next season.
 |
| Maguire has attracted interest from West Ham United |
United, on their part, need to sell some players to accommodate their incomings and have now reportedly listed Maguire on the “For Sale” stand for £50 million. But it is believed that they could work out a deal if any bidder reaches the £35 million mark. They also seem interested in loan opportunities for the England international.
Where would Harry Maguire be in the 2023/24 season?