Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag explains brutal Harry Maguire captaincy decision
Man Utd star Harry Maguire won't be captain of the club next season
PA
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has opened up on his decision to strip Harry Maguire of the club's captaincy.
The defender was previously made skipper by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, replacing Ashley Young in the role back in January 2020.
With Maguire toiling over the past couple of seasons, however, Ten Hag has decided to take action and give the armband to Bruno Fernandes instead.
Now, speaking ahead of the Red Devils' clash with Arsenal in America on Saturday, the 53-year-old has explained his decision.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to demote Harry Maguire
PA
“One has to wear the band and we chose, I chose, Bruno because he is a great inspiration," he said.
"He is the example.
“He always wants to be a better football player, working very hard to give his maximum performance.
"So he is the mirror for many players and he is a good social connector.
“We respect Harry, he’s very important for this squad, for this team.
"And, you know, in his role as centre-back, we have four centre-backs. I talked about consistency and we know we can't do it with 11 players and so I'm happy we have four very good centre-backs."
Maguire previously confirmed that he'd been stripped of the captaincy and was 'disappointed' by the decision.
"After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain," he said earlier in the week.
"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."
Maguire added: "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 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."
Fernandes will now be that person.
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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has given the captaincy to Harry Maguire
PA
The United star has been a huge hit at Old Trafford ever since his arrival back in January 2020.
Fernandes was a key player for Solskjaer, who lost his job 18 months ago after a poor run of results.
The United star was confirmed as skipper in a statement that read: "Bruno Fernandes has been named as the new club captain of Manchester United.
"The Portuguese midfielder has already worn the armband for United on numerous occasions and Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he will now lead the team on a permanent basis.
"Fernandes has scored 64 goals and contributed 54 assists in just 185 games for the club since joining in 2020.
"As captain, the two-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year will continue to drive the highest standards throughout the squad as United push for success in the 2023/24 season and beyond."
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