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Harry Maguire stripped of Manchester United captaincy

Harry Maguire has played a limited role since Erik ten Hag took charge at Old Trafford
Harry Maguire has played a limited role since Erik ten Hag took charge at Old Trafford

Harry Maguire has confirmed he is no longer Manchester United captain following talks with manager Erik ten Hag.

It was reported earlier this month that Ten Hag was ready to remove Maguire from the role after the England defender's limited appearances under the Dutchman last season.

The central defender made just eight Premier League starts, leading to ongoing speculation over his future at Old Trafford.

Maguire wrote on Twitter: "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.

Maguire has been linked with a move to West Ham

"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. Harry."

In Maguire’s absence from the side last season, Bruno Fernandes was most frequently appointed captain and the Portugal midfielder is expected to be given the permanent role.

United added in a statement: "Everyone at Manchester United thanks Harry for his contribution as captain over the past three and a half years.

"The manager will announce the new captain in due course, after he has informed the players."

Maguire has made over 170 appearances for United since being signed from Leicester for £80m [€93m] in 2019.

The England regular has been linked with a move to West Ham in recent days.

Meanwhile Chelsea have completed the signing of Brazilian teenager Angelo Gabriel as new boss Mauricio Pochettino looks to add talented youth to his squad.

The 18-year-old winger, who became the youngest player in the history of Brazil's national championship when he made his senior debut at the age of 15 years and 308 days, has joined the Blues from Santos with 129 first-team appearances under his belt.

Gabriel’s fee and the length of his contract have not been confirmed, although reports have suggested he has cost Chelsea around £13million.

Inter Miami have signed midfielder Sergio Busquets following his departure from Barcelona.

Busquets, 35, who had spent his entire playing career at the Nou Camp, left Barca at the end of the season and will be reunited with former team-mate Lionel Messi, whose move to Miami was confirmed 24 hours earlier.

Busquets was a member of Spain's team which won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2012 and over 15 seasons with Barca made 721 appearances in all competitions, placing him third on the club's all-time list.

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