Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has come under intense criticism in the past year – now Erik ten Hag has named his United captain
(Image credit: Getty)
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has named his captain – and it might not be popular with some.
Harry Maguire, who became the most expensive defender in the world when he moved to Old Trafford, is set to continue as skipper. The England star was given the armband just months into his time at the club.
Now, Ten Hag has kept the faith with Maguire, stating, "I have to get to know all the players, but he's an established captain and he's achieved a lot of success."
(Image credit: PA Images)
Maguire has come under fire of late for his performances in a United shirt and it's still rumoured that Ten Hag will look to sign a replacement for him in his left-sided centre-back berth. Lisandro Martinez of Ajax is heavily linked.
Last season, Maguire was staunchly criticised by fans and even by former United skipper Roy Keane, who slammed him following poor form for club and country. Ralf Rangnick later dropped the defender while interim manager at Old Trafford.
There were even rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo was less than impressed with his colleague, with the Portuguese going to Rangnick to address the lack of leadership in the side.
(Image credit: Getty)
One former captain at the Red Devils, Gary Neville, has spoken out in support of Ten Hag's decision to keep Maguire.
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"Good!," the Sky Sports pundit said. "So the same United fans fuming with me for applauding the decision to keep Maguire as captain seem to be without knowing criticising the new manager for his decision. Maybe support Maguire and stop bullying him on here (Twitter).
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
