Man United news: Pundit issues ‘massive’ Harry Maguire claim
Noel Whelan has insisted Harry Maguire will have been given a “massive boost” after Erik ten Hag confirmed he will remain Man United captain.
The former Leed striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 29-year-old must now repay the faith shown by leading by example on and off the pitch.
As quoted by club media (11 July), Ten Hag confirmed Maguire will remain captain for the 2022-23 campaign – insisting he had “no doubt” about the decision.
The England star was given the armband shortly after completing a reported £80million move from Leicester City in 2019.
He played 36 times across all competitions in the 2021-22 campaign as Man United limped to a sixth-place finish.
Whelan insisted Maguire must now kick on under Ten Hag after his “sub-standard” last season.
“Maguire will be the first to admit that his performances last season were very indifferent,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They weren’t up to standard, and he said that in many interviews. The whole team went through a really difficult time last season.
“This will be a massive boost for Maguire now that the manager has stuck with him and given him that vote of confidence.
“Maguire now has to justify that decision. He’s got to be the leader out there that puts in the performances – as well as shaking things up in the dressing room if needed.”
Man United’s only summer signing under Ten Hag is Tyrell Malacia – a left-back from Feyenoord.
The Red Devils start their Premier League campaign against Brighton on 7 August.
In other news, pundit lambasts Man United stars after “embarrassing” Ten Hag leaks.