Harry Maguire risks being axed as Man Utd captain even if he refuses transfer and Bruno Fernandes takes armband
HARRY MAGUIRE will officially lose the captaincy at Manchester United this week – even if he stays there.
Maguire has retained the role of club captain so far, despite only starting eight Premier League games last season.
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But with little chance of that changing, Erik ten Hag will be speaking to his squad in the coming days to get their opinion.
Bruno Fernandes, team captain for the second half of last season, is expected to take over the full-time position.
Maguire, 30, is behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw in the defensive pecking order.
Vacancies are limited but a pay rise due to United’s return to the Champions League could deter applicants.
There was interest from West Ham – a loan move was rejected in January – while Spurs and Newcastle have been linked with offers.
United must sell to fund more big purchases after Mason Mount came in for £55m and takeover aga messed up Ten Hag’s plans.
Maguire has two years left on his contract but knows his place in England is in jeopardy if he retires from the first-team.
United are suffering a huge loss for the £85m he cost Leicester in 2019.
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If they find a buyer, the club will have to pay the centre-back a severance package to offset any cuts to his nearly £200,000-a-week salary.
In conversation with The times On Maguire’s place in the squad at the end of last season, Ten Hag said: “Yes, but he has a lot of competition there with Raphael Varane.” [at centre back], which is awesome. That describes everything.
“Nobody would be happy with this situation [on the bench].