Manchester United's new manager warned Harry Maguire about his status in the team, Erik ten Hag has named three players who may replace him as captain.
The England international is said to be out of the Dutchman's plans as United look for a new centre-back. Jurrien Timber and Pau Torres have both been linked with a move to Old Trafford. According to ESPN, Maguire's starting spot is uncertain under Ten Hag due to his lack of speed and the manager's preference for a high defensive line.
According to the source, David de Gea, Bruno Fernandes, and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the candidates to take the armband away from Maguire if the captaincy changes. There are doubts about De Gea's ability to play under Ten Hag's system, but he'll likely keep his No. 1 shirt next season as the club prioritizes signing a striker and a midfielder over a new goalkeeper this summer.
Maguire's captaincy was questioned throughout the season as his form deteriorated, with Mirror Football reporting that the defender was once involved in a power battle with Cristiano Ronaldo. Ralf Rangnick took the armband away from Maguire towards the end of the season in an attempt to alleviate him of the burden he was under.
Because of his commanding presence in the dressing room, Ronaldo has emerged as the favorite to succeed him. Rangnick has asked the Portugal international to assist the team's younger players, including Jadon Sancho, Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Elanga.
Maguire, though, was adamant about not giving it up for fear of losing it permanently, and he ended up maintaining it for the rest of the season.
According to the Daily Mail, Maguire also 'upset' a number of teammates during the season by criticizing them for individual blunders on the play, as well as his negative post-match media statements. According to the New York Times, numerous members of the Red Devils' camp believed Maguire should have been benched owing to his declining performance.
Ronaldo had originally backed Maguire as captain, asking United's players to rally around him, but his vociferous backing waned as the season progressed. "Originally, Ronaldo was asking players to back Harry," a United source told Mirror Football. However, the management now wants Ronaldo to coach all of the younger players.
"That's put Harry in a bind, because he's the captain and has to say and do whatever Ronaldo says in order to keep things pleasant."
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