Gary Neville responds to Manchester United decision to keep Harry Maguire as captain

Gary Neville has welcomed the news that Harry Maguire will continue as Manchester United’s captain this forthcoming season.

Ten Hag made the announcement during his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s first pre-season friendly of the summer against Liverpool at the Rajamangala National Stadium on Tuesday. Maguire was appointed Reds captain in January 2020, just months after arriving at Old Trafford from Leicester City.

The England centre-back was regularly criticised last season for his poor performances but Ten Hag has offered his backing to the former Sheffield United man, confirming that he will continue as skipper.

Ten Hag said: ” Harry Maguire is the captain. I have to get to know all the players, but he’s an established captain and he has achieved a lot of success.”

Confirmation of Maguire continuing as captain was not well received by a large number of United supporters online, who were desperate to see a changing of the guard. However, Ten Hag’s decision has been given the seal of approval by Neville, who took to social media to react to the announcement.

The former United captain said: “Good! So the same United fans fuming with me for applauding the decision to keep Maguire as captain seem to be without knowing criticising the new manager for his decision. Maybe support Maguire and stop bullying him on here (Twitter). The new manager obviously likes him.”

Philip Acquah

See author's posts