Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy of the team, the England International disclosed on Sunday.
Maguire has been linked with a move away from Manchester United after he fell out of favour with Ten Hag, who prefers the defensive partnership of Rafael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Portugal international Bruno Fernandes captained the Red Devils for most of last season and is expected to be named captain.
Maguire said he was gutted to be stripped of the captain’s armband but will continue to fight for his place in the squad.
“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 said in a post on social media.
“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 a 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 said.
