Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has indicated that Harry Maguire can benefit from being stripped of the captaincy role at the club.
After Maguire confirmed the decision made to relieve him off the captaincy role on July 16, 2023, Bruno Fernandes was officially handed the mantle of leadership on July 20, 2023.
Harry Maguire returned to training prior to when he was stripped of the captaincy role
Harry Maguire returned to pre-season training during the previous week alongside his other teammates, who ere also involved in national team engagements.
That has put the defender’s future into uncertainty, after his game time reduced drastically last term.
Maguire has also lost his place in the starting lineup, as Erik Ten Hag seemingly prefers the partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Rafael Varane at center-back for the Red Devils.
Reports indicate that Manchester United are ready to listen to bids for the Englishman, although they are not keen on selling him.
Erik Ten Hag is of the opinion that Harry Maguire can not put all his attention on returning back to his impressive days, now that the massive burden of the armband has been removed from his shoulders.
He also put a contest to the 30-year-old, charging him to battle with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof for a starting shirt.
Left-back Luke Shaw has also been utilized in the center of defense, while Jonny Evans has also made a return to the club on a short-term contract.
Evans will reportedly be a Manchester United player for the duration of the club’s preseason.
Whilst speaking regarding his decision to strip Harry Maguire of the captaincy role, Ten Hag said he understands that the defender must be feeling disappointed over the decision.
He said: “I think everyone can understand that for a player it’s a disappointment but it can work out very good for the team and for Harry”.
Ten Hag expressed how pleased Manchester United are to have Maguire
Erik Ten Hag also shared how pleased Manchester United are to have Harry Maguire in their squad and how important the former Leicester City man is.
The Dutchman said: “He’s an important player. We need four center backs minimum.
“You have seen last season we played so many games and we are really pleased to have Harry in our squad”.
The former Ajax manager also outlined the duties of a defender, saying “a center back has to communicate and organise”.
Ten Hag said: “A centre back has to communicate and organise.
“It’s a big area where you have to perform as a centre half, there is prevention that you have to come into action.”
Manchester United have won their two games so far in preseason, dispatching Leeds United by 2-0 before grinding out a 1-0 narrow win over Olympique Lyon.
The Red Devils still have five more games to play this preseason, with their next game being against Arsenal on July 22, 2023.
Erik Ten Hag’s side afterwards face Wrexham on July 26, 2023 before trading tackles with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund on July 27th and 31st respectively.
In what is set to be a tasking preseason for the players, Manchester United also play French side RC Lens and Spanish side Athletic Club to culminate their 2023 preseason.
They have also made needed additions this summer, with the arrival of two players namely; Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana from Inter Milan.
Other signings are still expected to be made with reports indicating that the signing of a striker is the club’s next uttermost priority this summer.
