Maguire close to Man Utd EXIT as Ten Hag finds captain replacement

Cameron Smith

9 Jul 2023 15:36 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag insulted Harry Maguire with a "captain" comment — © ProShots

Harry Maguire is set to be stripped of the Manchester United captaincy ahead of the 2023/24 season as rumours continue to circulate about his future at Old Trafford.

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Maguire, 30, was replaced in the Man Utd preferred starting XI last season, with new boss Erik ten Hag favouring a partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

With the England international down the pecking order in 2022/23, Ten Hag named Bruno Fernandes as his de-facto captain during the majority of the campaign, with the Portuguese midfielder wearing the armband for most of United’s games last year.

Furthermore, it seems as though Ten Hag is set to make a major decision by naming Fernandes as the club’s full-time captain next season. That is according to The Sun, who have reported that Maguire will be replaced as Red Devils captain within the next week or so, regardless if he stays or leaves the club in 2023/24.

However, with Maguire set to lose the United captaincy, questions have been raised over whether the former Leicester City star will be sold during the current transfer window.

According to the Express, Maguire may have played his last game for Man Utd as they prepare to cash in on the England international to raise funds for other transfers.

© ProShots - Harry Maguire could leave Man Utd this summer

Man Utd’s summer business

The Old Trafford side are closing in on the signing of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, who will replace David de Gea following the Spaniard’s exit from the club on 1 July.

In addition, they are very keen on landing Atalanta youngster Rasmus Hojlund to solve their striker crisis.

Another central midfielder has also been linked, although they have signed Mason Mount from Chelsea to fill this role. Both Fred and Scott McTominay have been linked with exits from the club this month, which could mean United are forced back into the market for another option in the middle of the park.