Erik ten Hag is reportedly considering stripping Harry Maguire of the Manchester United captaincy and replacing him with Antonio Rudiger, according to stunning reports.
Ten Hag is destined to become Man United's next permanent manager at the end of the season.
It's understood that he'll make wholesale changes, with reports claiming he's mulling over taking the captaincy OFF Maguire.
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Daily Mirror claim Ten Hag is eyeing a move for Rudiger, who's expected to leave Chelsea in the summer when his contract expires.
Rudiger, 29, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus thought to be keen on acquiring his defensive services.
Not to mention Man United, but it appears the German defender isn't interested in moving to Old Trafford despite already holding preliminary discussions.
The report adds that Rudiger is hesitant about joining the Old Trafford side because they are not guaranteed Champions League football every season.
On his future, he said: "Future? At the moment I am here, I have always said that I am happy here and we will see what to do in the future."
Rudiger has been at Chelsea since 2017 following his £29 million move from AS Roma.
He's been a consistent performer this season, making 47 appearances in all competitions.
As for Maguire, he's been slammed by fans and critics for his showings for Man United this campaign.
One of his most vocal critics Roy Keane feels 'sorry' for the England international and reckons he shouldn't be Man United captain.
"I feel sorry for Maguire," he told SPORTbible. "If you go into a big club... it’s like, imagine if when I came to Man United when I was 20 or 21, quite young, and they went, 'Oh, you’re the captain'.
"I’d be thinking, 'That doesn’t say much about the rest of the group!'"
Topics: Harry Maguire, Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea, Manchester United, Football, Erik Ten Hag
Nasir Jabbar