‘Angry and shocked’ Maguire ‘ready to quit’ Man Utd with Chelsea poised to enter race
Man Utd defender Harry Maguire was left ‘shocked and angry’ by Erik ten Hag’s decision to strip him of the captaincy, according to reports.
The England international has struggled for form over the past couple of years with the centre-back constantly under fire from supporters during matches.
Maguire was knocked down the pecking order last season by the arrival of Lisandro Martinez with Ten Hag making it clear that his preferred centre-back pairing is the Argentinian and Raphael Varane.
Left-back Luke Shaw was even chosen at centre-back over Maguire at times last season and the former Sheffield United defender revealed on Sunday that Ten Hag had taken the captaincy away from him.
And The Sun claims the decision left Maguire ‘angry, shocked and upset’ after being told by Ten Hag at the training ground on Sunday.
Multiple reports have previously claimed that Maguire is determined to stay at Man Utd and prove himself – but the report in The Sun adds that he is now ‘ready to quit’ the club.
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It is understood that Maguire now ‘knows his time at Old Trafford is over’ with Chelsea ‘considering entering the race’ after West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle all made their interest known.
Maguire wrote on social media on Sunday to confirm the news: “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain.
“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 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. Harry.”
Man Utd also released a statement, which read: “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.”
