Harry Maguire may be stripped of Man United captaincy after latest – pundit
Harry Maguire should not be bothered if Erik ten Hag strips him of the Man United captaincy, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted Maguire will want to retain the armband but should back himself to still be a regular in the starting XI without the captaincy.
The Mirror reported on Sunday (12 June) that the 29-year-old is set for talks with Ten Hag over his position as captain.
It is claimed the England star is “desperate” to remain in the role he has held since January 2020 – just a few months after his blockbuster £80million move from Leicester City.
“Harry Maguire should be easy about it,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“If the manager wants to take it off him and give it to someone else I wouldn’t have a problem with that.
“The scrutiny of being Man United captain, it might be a relief not to have it. When Man United lose it’s the captain’s fault, it’s Harry Maguire’s fault.
“He’d want to keep it, he’ll be proud to be Man United captain but if it was to be taken off him he’d still fancy being a started out of the defenders they have.
“I’m sure he rates himself not to be bothered about the scrutiny and rate himself to be a starter. He’s a top defender who has had a bad season.”
Maguire endured a torrid 2021-22 season as Man United finished with their lowest ever points tally in the Premier League era.
He played 30 top-flight games and was dropped to the bench on a number of occasions.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has lambasted ‘arrogant’ Man United co-owner Joel Glazer after a new Super League reveal.