Man Utd star Harry Maguire 'angered' after being stripped of captaincy by Erik ten Hag

Maguire released a statement earlier in the week confirming his demotion and the i newspaper claim the 30-year-old has been left 'angered' by the decision.

The United star is said to retain the respect of the club's dressing room and would be willing to give his all for Erik ten Hag, despite the 53-year-old's show of ruthlessness.

Yet a parting of ways looks increasingly likely, with Maguire hoping to be a key player for England at the European Championships next year.

West Ham have shown interest in the United star, with the Hammers now flushed with cash following Declan Rice's huge £105million move to Arsenal.

And though Aston Villa have been credited with an interest, their recent deal for Pau Torres complicates any pursuit of Maguire this summer.

Whether he stays or goes, United appear determined to reel in fierce rivals Manchester City next season.

Mason Mount was their first signing of the summer, with the 24-year-old joining from Chelsea for a fee of £55m earlier in the month.

Andre Onana is poised to follow, with United recently agreeing a fee with Inter Milan for the Cameroon goalkeeper - who previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax.

And United are also ramping up their pursuit of Rasmus Hojlund, the Atalanta striker who scored nine goals across all competitions last season.

Maguire isn't the only player who may leave Old Trafford behind, with Ten Hag eager to embark on a selling spree to boost his chances of adding to his squad.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson is widely expected to join Nottingham Forest on a permanent basis after shining at the City Ground on loan last season.Eric Bailly and Alex Telles aren't wanted back following temporary spells at Marseille and Sevilla last season.

Brandon Williams is primed to go, while United are open to offers for midfielders Donny van de Beek, Fred and Scott McTominay.

And Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial are facing uncertain futures as well, with both players failing to live up to expectations at the club.

Earlier in the week, Maguire said it had been a 'huge privilege' to captain United.

“After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain," he said.

"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.”