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Harry Maguire had a bad campaign last season, and was often criticized by fans of the club for several lacklustre performances.
This was the case for a number of players at the club last season, with consistently poor performances coming from a number of senior players.
Maguire, however, took the brunt of it due to his elevated status as club captain.
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Manchester United have been working hard on a deal for Frenkie de Jong for several weeks, and have agreed an overall fee of around €85 million for the player, however the Dutch midfielder is yet to accept Manchester United himself.
During discussions regarding the deal, it was reported that Barcelona enquired about the availability of Harry Maguire, with the Catalan club looking to bolster their defence.
However, this enquiry was quickly rebutted, with Erik ten Hag keen to work with the player and the club having zero intention to sell.
It has also been suggested that Maguire himself rejected the move, with a source close to the player reportedly claiming that the Englishman was “unmoved” by the prospect of playing for Barcelona.
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Speaking to the Mirror, the source said: "Some players, especially with some of the criticism flying around, would have been desperate to go if Barcelona came calling.
“But Harry is unmoved and wants to have a successful season with United. When it comes to mental strength, Harry has it in spades. As usual he will get down to doing what he does best.”
Harry Maguire has performed well during the opening matches of Ten Hag’s first pre-season, despite boos ringing loudly during his first start of the summer against Melbourne Victory.
A close friend of the player commented on the situation surrounding Maguire and how the fans have reacted to his form.
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"Harry has been made the scapegoat for Manchester United's poor displays last season,” explained the friend.
“Some so-called big players had far worse games than him. It seems that someone has to pay the price. The other season it was David de Gea who has been magnificent during his time at the club."
Erik ten Hag has been supportive of Harry Maguire when questioned on the player during press conferences and interviews.
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Maguire has been the captain in every match he has so far played under the Dutchman, and Ten Hag confirmed as much before the club played their opening pre-season fixture against Liverpool.
"Harry Maguire is the captain," Ten Hag proclaimed when asked if he had thought about who would get the armband next season.
"I have to get to know all of the players, but he's an established captain and he's achieved a lot of success." He added.
"I will support him everywhere I can. In the end, he has to do it by himself and he has the qualities to do it," the manager said in a press conference before United's third game of pre-season against Crystal Palace.
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"He has showed it so often in the past. I always see the captaincy as an issue that I dictate."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Harry Maguire, Barcelona, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Transfers