Manchester United defender Harry Maguire revealed on Sunday that he no longer carries the armband of his Premier League club, after a discussion with coach Eric ten Hag.
Maguire bore the United leadership armband based on the decision of former coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer six months after he came to United in 2019, but he participated in only 16 league matches last season, while Bruno Fernandes wore the armband in the absence of the England national team defender.
Maguire wrote on Twitter: After a discussion with the coach today, he informed me that he will change the captain of the team. He explained his reasons to me, and although I am very disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I put the shirt on.
The 30-year-old England national team defender added: I had the great honor, three and a half years ago, to lead Manchester United and it is one of the proudest moments of my career so far.
Maguire was sharply criticized for making many significant mistakes, losing his place in the starting line-up and starting eight league matches last season, and reports said he was close to leaving.
Manchester United did not announce the new captain, while media reported that Fernandez, 28, would take the armband.
Fernandez, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, won the United Player of the Year award in the 2019-2020 and 2020-21 seasons.