Manchester United star tipped to join Newcastle United issue huge statement on future

Harry Maguire has expressed his disappointment at being stripped of the Manchester United captaincy in a move that has fuelled exit talk.

The England international has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford having made just eight Premier League starts in last season. Erik Ten Hag preferred summer signing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, while Luke Shaw has also deputised at centre-back.

Maguire joined Man United from Leicester City for £80million in 2019 in what was a world record deal for a defender. He has appeared 175 times and was appointed club captain in January 2020. But ahead of the 2023-24 season, the 30-year-old has been relieved of the role.

“After discussions with the manager today, he has informed me he is changing captain,” Maguire posted on Twitter. “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.

“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-a-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.”

There had been indications that Maguire would stay and fight for his future at Old Trafford but that could change.

Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy tipped Maguire to join Newcastle United earlier this year.

Murphy said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if someone like Eddie Howe went for Maguire as another choice for them. A club like Newcastle could do a lot worse than get someone like Maguire.

“He’s got leadership qualities, he’s learnt at United. Yes, he’s had a little bad spell but a lot of it has been good. He’s done brilliantly on the international stage at big tournaments, he’s great on set-plays, he’s a good character.

“He’s not a ‘big time Charlie’, he’s humble, he looks like a great lad, good family, good support network around him. He’s going to have many takers.”

It’s unlikely Newcastle will launch a move for Maguire, unless a loan deal became an option.