Manchester United’s new manager Erik ten Hag has stated that Harry Maguire will continue to remain his team captain for the next season. After guiding the Red Devils to their worst Premier League finish in history, the 29-year-old defender has come under harsh criticism, with some arguing that he ought to lose the captain’s armband.
However, after much contemplation, the new manager Ten Hag has finally made it official that Maguire will continue to captain United, giving him a major vote of confidence.
“Harry Maguire is the captain,” Ten Hag told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s pre-season friendly with Liverpool in Bangkok. “He’s an established captain, he’s achieved a lot of success, so I don’t doubt this issue.”
During the disappointing 2021–22 season for the Red Devils, Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo engaged in a tug of war for the captain’s armband. By liking an Instagram post last week that stated Ronaldo had opted to submit a transfer request after having his pay reduced since United didn’t qualify for the Champions League, the former Leicester City star added fuel to the fire.
After Ten Hag confirmed that Maguire will remain the club’s captain, Manchester United legend Gary Neville quickly took to Twitter to agree with the new United boss’ decision. He said that the same Manchester United fans who were not happy with him because he supports the idea of leaving Harry Maguire as the captain have now decided to support their new managers’ decision.
🗣 “Harry Maguire is the captain.”
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 11, 2022
Erik ten Hag asked who the captain will be for next season. #MUTOUR2022 pic.twitter.com/VSDu2hMUx0
Gary Neville added that they should support the captain rather than bullying him on and off the pitch. According to Gary Neville, Erik ten Hag obviously likes Harry Maguire which is why he retained him as his captain.
Recall that less than halfway through his debut campaign at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointed Harry Maguire captain, and Maguire instantly stepped up on and off the field.
The England international is undoubtedly appreciated in the locker room, despite his disappointing performance last season. He played a significant role in the club’s charitable work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other Man United players capable of taking the captain armband
Harry Maguire has recently been the most criticized player in Manchester United because of his poor performance throughout last season. This made many supporters call for his removal as the clubs’ captain. Names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes have been mentioned as worthy players to take the armband from him.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo is the current captain of the Portuguese national team, he hasn’t captained a club before but is doing well with his national team.
On the other hand, Bruno Fernandes is called upon to become United’s captain because of his amazing performance for the club since he joined them from Sporting Lisbon.
