‘Probably a mistake’ - Manchester United problem highlighted by Liverpool hero

Erik ten Hag’s decision has been questioned by a former Liverpool ace.
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Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has said Erik ten Hag’s decision to keep Harry Maguire as Manchester United’s captain is ‘probably a mistake’.

The new Red Devils’ boss has opted against appointing a new skipper ahead of his first season in charge in the Premier League.

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Instead, the ex-Ajax manager wants to give the England international another opportunity to prove he is capable of leading the team at Old Trafford.

Maguire, 29, is preparing for his fourth consecutive campaign with the top flight giants and is yet to win anything with them.

Manchester United call questioned

Murphy, who played 246 times for Liverpool during his playing days, has delivered his verdict on the situation on talkSPORT:

“He (Ten Hag) thinks that’s the right thing to do, but I think he’s probably made a mistake. I think it was time for a change of captaincy and leadership at United.

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“I’d give it to whoever he brings in who is big enough and brave enough to take it on. I wouldn’t have Harry Maguire as captain next season, but that doesn’t mean I would get rid of him.

“I think he’s a good player, I just think it’s too much for him, he’s struggled with it and his performances would improve if he didn’t have it.”

The ex-Fulham man added: “He is a player he is capable of more, and the best way to get that out of him is to take the captaincy from him.

“Being the captain of Manchester United, that responsibility is a burden and it’s drained him. I wouldn’t take it off him as a kick up the backside, but for the benefit of the player.

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“Manchester United is a massive club, the biggest in the world, and being captain there needs someone who is capable of dealing with that better.”

One last chance?

Maguire has played 144 times for Manchester United since his big-money switch from Leicester City and has chipped in with seven goals from defence.

Prior to his move to the North West, he had also played for the likes of Sheffield United, Hull City and Wigan Athletic in the Football League.

He has come under scrutiny over recent years but Ten Hag’s show of faith in him may be the confidence boost he needs to kick on next term and prove people wrong.

This is a summer of transition with the Red Devils and could prove to be a clean slate for all their players.