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Harry Maguire makes emotional statement as Erik ten Hag takes Man Utd captaincy off him

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has been stripped of the club armband following talks with manager Erik ten Hag, with the defender admitting he's "extremely disappointed"

[Harry Maguire has been left "extremely disappointed" after losing the Man Utd captaincy]

Harry Maguire has been left "extremely disappointed" after losing the Man Utd captaincy(Image: Getty Images)

Harry Maguire's future at Manchester United looks increasingly uncertain after talks with manager Erik ten Hag saw the defender lose the club captaincy.

England international Maguire, 30, announced the development on social media and said he was "extremely disappointed" to have lost the armband. Bruno Fernandes spent most of Ten Hag's debut season at United as skipper after club captain Maguire fell down the pecking order.

"After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst Im personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt," wrote the centre-back via Instagram.

"So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst Ive been wearing the armband."

READ MORE: Man Utd duo miss first day of pre-season and are labelled 'must-sells' this summer

Maguire became the most expensive defender in world football when he joined United from Leicester for an 80million fee four years ago. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointed the mega-money signing as captain within six months of his arrival, but the role has weighed heavily in recent times.

The pressure of that price-tag appears to have hurt Maguire as he's sought to justify the expense, with Ten Hag preferring others in central defence. The Dutchman recruited former Ajax charge Lisandro Martinez to steady his ship, while the likes of Raphael Varane and even full-back Luke Shaw seem to have overtaken Maguire.

Who do you think should replace Maguire as Man Utd captain? Let us know in the comments section below.

[Maguire spent much of the 2022/23 campaign sidelined by Ten Hag]

Maguire spent much of the 2022/23 campaign sidelined by Ten Hag(Image: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

There are reports United would be willing to sell the player this summer, though it's believed his 50m asking price may be deemed too costly by potential suitors.

"Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, its been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date," Maguire continued. "Its one of the greatest honours in club football. Ive 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."

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[Midfielder Bruno Fernandes is among the favourites to take over from Maguire as captain]

Midfielder Bruno Fernandes is among the favourites to take over from Maguire as captain(Image: Getty Images)

Fernandes, 28, will be among the frontrunners to take United's captaincy on a permanent basis after wearing the armband for most of last season. The Portugal talisman helped guide the club to the Carabao Cup earlier this year after five trophy-less seasons and has quickly become a fan favourite at Old Trafford.

West Ham have been linked with a move for Maguire, and David Moyes' side have cash in their reserves after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal for 105m. A loan move to east London has been mooted, though the Red Devils would prefer a permanent parting of the ways if they were to see their now ex-skipper leave.

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