Manchester United Could Replace Harry Maguire As Captain

Harry Maguire could lose the Manchester United captaincy next season, with the club also eyeing up another centre back signing in the summer.

To say it's not been a good season for Maguire would be a huge understatement, with the centre back often blamed for his side's failings.

Even in the win against Norwich City at the weekend the club captain couldn't avoid negative headlines, as he accidentally kicked Paul Pogba in the head whilst the team were attacking a corner.

The former Leicester City man was also involved in some poor defending for Teemu Pukki's equaliser, before Cristiano Ronaldo's winning goal, and David de Gea was accused of refusing to pass to him.

Now there could be more bad news for the 29-year-old, with reports that United want to sign a new centre back in the summer, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The report goes on to say that Erik ten Hag could replace Maguire as captain next season, an issue that has been central to his problems in the current campaign.

Maguire was all smiles ahead of kick off. Image: PA Images

The defender's captaincy has been questioned multiple times since last August, and earlier this year there were claims of a power struggle with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Whilst it hasn't been the perfect season for Ronaldo, his ability to score goals at important times and his demands on those around him have been seen as reasons he should have the armband.

Even Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies recently claimed he couldn't believe the five time Ballon d'Or winner didn't have the armband, and Maguire did.

On Saturday, images from the Old Trafford tunnel, of Ronaldo embracing his teammates, claimed that it was proof the 37-year-old was the captain without the armband.

Ronaldo hands the match ball to youngster Alejandro Garnacho after his hat-trick. Image: PA Images

United did sign Raphael Varane last summer to partner Maguire, but the former Real Madrid defender hasn't lived up to expectations and has also had several injuries.

The club could let Eric Bailly and Phil Jones depart in the summer, adding more need for them to sign a centre back, with their 44 goals conceded another good reason.

Ten Hag is expected to be the manager next season, even if Ajax want to stop their current manager from moving to the Premier League.

The Dutchman has already identified one target to help with his 'master plan' in trying to help the club back to the top of the table.