Harry Maguire ‘set to discuss his position as Manchester United captain with new boss Erik ten Hag’

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is set to hold talks with new manager Erik ten Hag over the future of his role as captain of the club.

Maguire has struggled for form since his £80million move from Leicester in 2019, drawing criticism from fans of both club and country along the way.

The England defender was booed by his own supporters when the Three Lions faced Ivory Coast at Wembley in March, and according to The Mirror, Dutchman ten Hag will speak with Maguire ahead of the new era at Old Trafford. 

New United manager Erik ten Hag will hold talks with Maguire about his position as captain

Maguire’s form was below par last season and blame was often pointed his way as United finished with their lowest ever points total in the Premier League.

The Red Devils finished sixth, missing out on Champions League football by 13 points, which led to the appointment of ten Hag in an attempt to once again turn their fortunes around.

Regular calls questioning Maguire’s place in the team and role as captain surfaced across the red side of Manchester, and now the new man in charge wants to settle on the former Leicester man’s role once and for all.

United finished sixth in the Premier League last season with their worst ever points total

Magurie is yet to meet ten Hag in person, and is currently away on international duty with England, playing 90 minutes on Saturday as his side drew 0-0 with Italy in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final.

Ten Hag is set to gather his squad on June 27 for the start of pre-season, but with some international player granted an extra break, Maguire will meet with his new boss in July to discuss the role he is said to be desperate to retain.

He has been the captain of United since January 2020, just five months after he became the most expensive defender of all time in signing for the club from Leicester.

Whilst the 29-year-old’s position is in doubt, Ten Hag was complimentary of the defender in his introductory press conference, saying: ‘I have to repeat, next season is a different season. I think he did a great job, he is a great player. 

‘He achieved already a lot. A really good contribution to Manchester United, so I am looking forward to working with him.’

United suffered several embarrassing moments, including heavy defeats to rivals Liverpool

ten Hag is the latest man to be trusted with turning United’s poor fortunes around

Maguire made 37 appearances in all competitions for United last term, with injuries resulting in a stagnated campaign for the defender. 

Losing the captaincy may reignite his United career, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and David De Gea waiting in the wings to take over the role.

On his own form, Maguire said:  ‘This season I’ve had some bad games, but I wouldn’t be playing every game for Manchester United in the starting XI if I’d been playing bad every game. 

‘There’s a reason why both managers have put me in the starting 11 every game.

‘It’s what I bring to the team, what I bring to the starting 11 , but I do also understand that I’m the captain of this club, I cost a lot of money and when things aren’t going well and we’re conceding too many goals, I’m going to get criticised.’