Harry Maguire has confirmed that he has been stripped of Manchester United captaincy after crunch talks with Erik Ten Hag. In a statement published to Twitter on Sunday afternoon, Maguire, who has been linked with a potential move to West Ham in recent days, outlined his “extreme disappointment” at having the armband taken away following talks with United manager Erik ten Hag.
Harry Maguire wearing the Manchester United armband on the final day of the 2022-23 Premier League season against Fulham at Old Trafford. Source: Getty Sharing news of him being stripped of Manchester United captaincy, Maguire wrote; “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt. “So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband. Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. “It’s one of the greatest honours in club football. I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful – on and off the field. I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.” After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt. So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the… pic.twitter.com/TAOS0eisF1 — Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) July 16, 2023 Maguire was immediately handed the armband by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after his arrival from Leicester in 2019 and initially impressed at Old Trafford. But despite shining with England, he has struggled for form at club level, with Ten Hag preferring Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in central defence. There have been indications that Maguire would stay and fight for his future at Old Trafford but the latest blow nudges him closer to the exit door. Maguire is one of a number of United players free to leave the club this summer as Ten Hag looks to raise some funds for new arrivals.
Harry Maguire on captain duty for Manchester United. Source: Getty Mason Mount has already arrived from Chelsea, while Andre Onana’s move from Inter Milan is close. A new No.9 is also on the radar but exits will be needed to balance the books. Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund is United’s top target while they are also considering France international Randal Kolo Muani.
Griezmann celebrating a goal with Mbappe. Source: Getty The Tottenham goalie led his team to glory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and helped Les Blues reach the World Cup four years later as captain. Raphael Varane was expected to fill up the position, but he also retired from international competition as well at 29. After Mbappe was named as the French team’s skipper, It was not favorably received by many. Some French football experts and commentators have argued the decision showed a lack of respect for the Atletico Madrid striker. Catalan newspaper SPORT reported that Antoine Griezmann pondered quitting the French team over the decision, seeing his exclusion as a mistake. Three months later, 32-year-old Griezmann has finally broken his silence on 24-year-old Mbappe getting France’s captaincy. 
Antoine Griezmann during a training. Source: Getty Speaking to Telefoot, he said; “It was hard to take, and tough. I’m 32 and, although I still have the legs, I know I’m reaching the end [of my career]. I had a hard time stomaching it for one or two days.“ Still, Griezmann remains an instrumental player for Les Bleus in his newly-found central midfielder role. The 2018 Europa League winner with Atlético Madrid is expected to start against Greece on Monday at the Stade de France as part of their campaign to qualify for Euro 2024. Griezmann also committed his future to the Colchoneros, adding that he holds no ill-feeling towards his team-mate. He said; “I’m fully behind our captain Kylian. I won’t change anything, because that’s who I am.” The Atletico forward is set to return to the France starting XI for their next European Championship qualifier against Greece on Monday, June 19. Deschamps’ side are currently sitting top of Group B with maximum points from their first three games. 
France’s coach, Didier Deschamps announced on Tuesday, March 22, that Mbappe will be taking over from Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane who retired after the 2022 World Cup with a silver medal. While so many questions have been raised over whether Mbappe is deserving of the armband, Konate labeled his teammate’s critics as “crazy”, adding that he’s a very good leader, on and off the pitch. The Liverpool defender told Eurosport; “Even if I had a say in this, it would not change a thing. It’s the coach’s decision but I’m very happy. Honestly, Kylian deserves it. We’re unanimous on this. He deserves it with what he’s done at the World Cup and with PSG as well. 
“He’s a very good leader, on and off the pitch. He’s a young lad who loves to laugh and have fun, nothing more. He’s a very good person. Some may think he’s arrogant. It’s something I was asked about in my club and elsewhere. To them, I say ‘Are you crazy? He’s so nice.’ Of course, he will be a good skipper.” Also responding to claim of Atletico Madrid star, Antonio Griezmann who turned 32 on the day of the announcement, reacting badly to it, Konate added; “I did not see him sulking at all. Besides, it’s his birthday.“