Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, has appointed his captain for the upcoming season
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has come under fire in recent months, and now Erik ten Hag has named him United captain.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has named his captain, and some may be disappointed.
Harry Maguire, who became the most expensive defender in the world when he moved to Old Trafford, is expected to remain captain. Only a few months into his time at the club, England's captain was given the armband.
Ten Hag has now stated (opens in new tab), "I have to get to know all the players, but he's an established captain and he's achieved a lot of success."
Maguire has recently come under fire for his performances in a United shirt, and Ten Hag is rumored to be looking for a replacement for him in his left-sided centre-back berth. Ajax's Lisandro Martinez is heavily linked.
Last season, Maguire was harshly criticized by fans and even former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, who slammed him (opens in new tab) for his poor form for both club and country. Later, as interim manager at Old Trafford, Ralf Rangnick dropped the defender.
There were even rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo was dissatisfied with his teammate, with the Portuguese going to Rangnick to address the team's lack of leadership.
Gary Neville, a former Red Devils captain, has spoken out in support of Ten Hag's decision to keep Maguire.
"Good!" exclaimed the Sky Sports pundit. "So the same United fans who were furious with me for applauding the decision to keep Maguire as captain now seem to be criticizing the new manager for his decision." Maybe you should stand up for Maguire and stop bullying him on here
"Clearly, the new manager likes him."
United's top target this summer has been Frenkie de Jong, and the Red Devils are close to agreeing a deal - though they remain willing to walk away if the price isn't right - and Harry Maguire even came up in talks at one point.
A bid has been submitted for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, while United have signed Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia.
Marco Asensio of Real Madrid has emerged as a surprise target, but Erik ten Hag will have a budget of just £100 million to work with this summer.
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