Harry Maguire wants to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United despite being left ‘extremely disappointed’ at having the captaincy taken off him by Erik ten Hag.
Maguire, who has emerged as a target for West Ham, met the United manager for talks over his future on Sunday and was informed that, as he is no longer a regular first team starter, he would not be continuing as captain of the club.
Bruno Fernandes stepped in to lead the team last season and is expected to continue.
The England international took to Twitter on Sunday to confirm the Erik ten Hag’s decision, highlighting his regret while pledging his support for the next skipper.
‘After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain,’ he wrote.
Harry Maguire could be on his way out of the club this summer after failing to impress Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag revealed last week that he alone will make the decision on United’s next skipper
The defender took to Twitter to announce that he would no longer be serving as club 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.
‘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.’
Maguire lost his place in the team after Man United’s dismal 4-0 defeat to Brentford last August which resulted in his Portuguese team-mate Fernandes leading out the side.
The ex-Leicester City defender started just eight games in the Premier League last season, having been ever present before Ten Hag’s arrival.
Maguire was keen to share his appreciation for former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who named him as skipper in January 2020 after the departure of Ashley Young.
‘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,’ he added. ‘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 remains determined to regain his first team place but he is among a number of targets being considered by West Ham following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105million while United are looking to recoup cash from sales to fund their own recruitment drive.
Maguire lost his place in the starting line-up following Man United’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford
The 30-year-old does not wish to leave United though as he believes he will still get chances to play as United return to the Champions League this season.
Ten Hag has preferred Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his starting defensive partnership, while Maguire also suffered with injuries last season, even playing with broken ribs at one point.
Yet, he has put in extra work already this summer, notably training at the camp of former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho in Portugal.
He believes he can still make an impact for United and subsequently with England ahead of the European Championship.
United, for their part, maintain they will not push him out though they are open to offers for a number of their players to help offset their spending.
United are close to finalising the signing of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana for around £41m.
The clubs were going over finer details of the fee on Sunday and similarly with the player’s personal terms.
West Ham boss David Moyes is considering several targets including Maguire this summer
Inter Milan’s Andre Onana is nearing a £41m move to Old Trafford following David De Gea’s exit
Once agreed, Onana could fly out to New York on Wednesday with the rest of United’s squad ahead of their pre-season tour.
United have opened discussions with Atalanta for striker Rasmus Hojlund and have spoken to Urawa Reds over a possible £5m deal for 20-year-old goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The US-born Japan international would be viewed as competition for Onana with Nottingham Forest ready to buy Dean Henderson.
Luton, who have previously been rebuffed in an approach for Tom Heaton, remain keen on the 37-year-old keeper. Anthony Elanga’s next club is also set to be resolved early this week.
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