Manchester United is facing a potential departure of defender Harry Maguire this summer. The 30-year-old was stripped of the club captaincy by manager Erik ten Hag. Maguire, who has seen his role diminish under Ten Hag’s tenure, confirmed the news on social media. He has expressed his disappointment but vowed to support his successor. The decision has reportedly left Maguire feeling angry and upset, leading him to seek a move away from the club. Several Premier League clubs, including West Ham, Tottenham, and Newcastle, have shown interest in the English center-back. Furthermore, Chelsea is now entering the race for his signature.
The Captaincy Change: Strained Relationship and Players’ Preference
Manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to remove Maguire as captain stems, in part, from the discontent among several Manchester United players regarding his captaincy. According to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst,
“Ten Hag had to change captain, particularly as #mufc are open to letting Maguire leave. Maguire was a premature promotion by [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer and a lot of teammates weren’t having him as captain.”
This revelation consequently sheds light on the internal dynamics within the United squad and the dissatisfaction surrounding Maguire’s leadership.
Harry Maguire at Manchester United
Since joining Manchester United from Leicester City in 2019, Maguire has made 175 appearances for the club. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointed him as captain just five months after his arrival, signifying the trust and responsibility placed upon him. Despite the recent captaincy setback, Maguire has been an avid performer for the Red Devils and has played a pivotal role in the team’s defense.
Maguire expressed his disappointment with the decision in a statement on social media, acknowledging that he will continue to give his all for the club despite his personal disappointment. However, reports suggest that Maguire’s reaction extends beyond mere disappointment. Sources indicate that he is “angry” about being dethroned as captain. This has fueled speculation that the defender is ready to part ways with Manchester United.
Chelsea’s Interest in Maguire
With the recent departures of Kalidou Koulibaly and Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea is actively looking to bolster their defensive options. According to The Sun, new manager Mauricio Pochettino sees Maguire as a valuable addition to rebuild the team’s backline. Furthermore, the potential move to Chelsea presents an opportunity for Maguire to continue playing at a top-level club with ambitions for success.
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