Harry Maguire may still be axed by Man United amid ‘setback’ – expert
Harry Maguire will be axed by Man United if he does not refind his form in the first six or seven games of the 2022-23 season, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted Erik ten Hag has “100 per cent” made the right decision by keeping Maguire as captain.
The new Man United boss confirmed via club media last week (11 July) that the 29-year-old will retain the armband for the upcoming season.
He was handed the captaincy shortly after his £80million move to Old Trafford from Leicester City in the summer of 2019.
As quoted by ESPN on Sunday (17 July), Maguire admitted the 2021-22 season was a “career set-back” but is ready to bounce back under the new manager.
Asked whether Ten Hag has made the right decision, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “100 per cent.
“People just jump on the bandwagon and look for a scapegoat and that’s what they’ve done with Harry Maguire.
“It’s like he’s a scapegoat and he’s probably thinking ‘I want to prove Man United fans and England fans that I am a top player. I haven’t signed for big money for no reason’.
“I think it’s a great decision, back your captain and if he goes through the first six or seven games then you have to play someone else.
“Harry Maguire deserves to keep that armband.”
Maguire started 28 Premier League games in 2021-22 and found himself out of the side under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick on occasion.
The England international has a contract at Old Trafford that runs until the summer of 2025.
In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo may now miss the start of the season at Man United after a Sky update.