Harry Maguire considering his options after losing Manchester United captaincy; Maguire said on social media that he was "extremely disappointed" to lose the armband, adding: "I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt"; West Ham lead interest in England international
Monday 17 July 2023 12:51, UK
Harry Maguire is considering his options after having the Manchester United captaincy taken away from him by Erik ten Hag.
Maguire is being closely monitored by clubs in the Premier League and abroad, with West Ham among those interested in the England international.
West Ham are thought to be exploring the option of either a loan or a permanent deal for the 30-year-old defender. However, the Hammers are aware wages could prove to be a problem if a deal was to be agreed between the clubs.
United manager Ten Hag has always maintained any decision will effectively rest with the player, who is contracted to the club until the summer of 2025.
The club have thanked Harry for his contribution as captain over the past three-and-half years, adding that the manager will announce United's new captain in due course, after he has informed the players.
Due to training and travel schedules a new captain will not be announced before United travel to New York for pre-season later this week. They travel to the USA after a friendly against Lyon at Murrayfield on Wednesday.
West Ham have identified alternative targets to Maguire, and are looking at Torino's Perr Schuurs, Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah and Luiz Felipe from Real Betis.
Maguire confirmed on social media on Sunday that he is no longer captain of Manchester United following talks with Ten Hag.
It was reported earlier this month that Ten Hag was ready to remove Maguire from the role after the England defender's limited appearances under the Dutchman last season.
The central defender made just eight Premier League starts, leading to ongoing speculation over his future at Old Trafford.
"After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain," Maguire wrote on Twitter.
"He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I'm personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.
"So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I've been wearing the armband.
"Since the day I took on the role, three-and-a-half years ago, it's been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. It's one of the greatest honours in club football. I've done everything I possibly could to help United be successful - on and off the field.
"I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support."
A Man United statement said: "Everyone at Manchester United thanks Harry for his contribution as captain over the past three-and-a-half years. The manager will announce the new captain in due course, after he has informed the players."
United We Stand founder Andy Mitten on Sky Sports News:
"Harry Maguire had effectively lost his place in Manchester United's team last season and I think it's safe to assume the manager wants his captain playing for him all the time.
"A lot of United fans will back the manager [in terms of his decision]. The manager has done well so far at the club, but, clearly, it's not a good day for Harry Maguire.
"He's got two years left [on his contract] and the possibility of another year, but footballers want to play football. Clearly he can't have another season like last year.
"I don't think that he played that badly when he played. Clearly, Harry is a decent player. He's shown that for Manchester United enough, he's shown that for England.
"[But] Harry Maguire does not want to be Manchester United's fifth-choice central defender. He wants to play football.
"From Manchester United's perspective if the club got a really good offer then I am sure they would like to negotiate that because he is one player you could get tens of millions for."
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