2 years ago
In the midst of Harry Maguire rumours, Alex Ferguson's 'truth' statements suggest a captaincy call for Manchester United.
Harry Maguire is rumored to be on his way out as Manchester United captain, according to ERIK TEN HAG.
Erik ten Hag has only been in charge of Manchester United for a short time, but he has already had to make significant decisions. While the summer transfer market is currently the main focus, Ten Hag must also select his captain for the coming season.
Ten Hag deftly avoided answering a question regarding whether Harry Maguire will continue as captain for the 2022/23 season during his first press conference as United manager. That hesitation shows doubt in the Dutchman's mind, and recent rumours suggest he is pondering a move away from the under-fire defender.
Ten Hag is reportedly willing to offer the armband to the most popular contender in the locker room, according to The Sun. That might very well be David de Gea, who is said to be the 'overwhelming candidate' due to his teammates' "respect and belief."
It'll be interesting to see if that holds true at United this summer. Inside the locker room, however, Maguire is without a doubt losing agency. With Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata all departing at the end of the month, it may be a good time for a change.
De Gea has been with United for 11 years and has made 487 appearances for them. Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who had his fair share of successful captains during his 26 years in charge, may well back the Spaniard.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Maguire
The captaincy comments made by Sir Alex Ferguson could work against Harry Maguire. (Image courtesy)
Although Steve Bruce, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Nemanja Vidic all won league titles as captains, Ferguson chose Bryan Robson as his best ever captain. The reasons for this provide a solid indication of what United will require from their captain next season.
Last year, Ferguson remarked of Robson, "The guys liked him." "They responded to him, and he was my time's longest-serving captain." It's difficult for a captain to communicate the truth to his players at times, you know? The encouragement he gives them might be volcanic at times, and he was like that, but the players loved him.
De Gea, David
Manchester United's future captain might be David de Gea (Image)
"They loved the time he spent with them, and he's also the only captain I've ever met who could make a judgment on the field." He didn't have to turn to face me. He'd do it, which is unusual. It's actually quite uncommon because he had the guts to do it."
If De Gea gets the thumbs up from Ten Hag, he'll have checked off one box. Despite not being captain, the 31-year-old has told the players the truth on numerous occasions. De Gea's Twitter page has become a site of harsh truths over the last five trophyless years, and his post-match comments have become notorious for their biting honesty.
De Gea has called United's performances "embarrassing," "not up to the standard expected," "not acceptable," a "disgrace," and more in recent years. If he is willing to say such things publicly, he does not appear to be concerned about informing his teammates.
De Gea has been with United for a long time. He can hold his head high after his performances in the 2021/22 season, unlike many of his teammates. And, most importantly, he would do all in his power to guarantee that the highest conceivable standards are met. Ten Hag could do a lot worse than handing over the armband to him.
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