(Football news) Harry Maguire has disclosed that Erik ten Hag relieved him of his leadership of Manchester United. Despite no longer being first-choice, the England defender kept the captaincy last year, and his transfer comes as a result of United’s willingness to consider offers for the 30-year-old.
Erik ten Hag reportedly dismissed Harry Maguire of his managerial duties at Manchester United, according to Harry Maguire. The fact that United was open to offers for the 30-year-old defender last year allowed the England defender to retain the captaincy despite no longer being their first choice.
“After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain,” Maguire tweeted. “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 Solskjær for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.”
A statement on the club’s website 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.”
Ten Hag intends to raise the funds available for recruitment by offloading Maguire and other unnecessary players. Mason Mount signed from Chelsea for an initial fee of £55 million, or nearly half of his $120 million budget. Internazionale custodian André Onana, who is scheduled to be in Manchester once a final check on payment terms has been completed, is about to finalise an initial €50 million (£42.9 million) transfer to United. Over the past few days, Ten Hag has spoken with Onana to confirm the deal will go through.
Rasmus Højlund of Atalanta is a striker the boss is also interested in. Ten Hag might possibly try to sign another centre-half if Maguire left.
Only eight Premier League games were started by Maguire last season, including the last game after United had already qualified for the Champions League. Maguire was acquired by United from Leicester for £80 million in August 2019. Regular captain Bruno Fernandes is anticipated to be named as Maguire’s replacement.
Also read: Andre Onana to Manchester United is just about time
