'How does he move forward' - Rooney pities Maguire after Manchester United's leadership demotion

End of an era at Man United as Harry Maguire is no longer captain.

TRANSFERS 'How does he move forward' - Rooney pities Maguire after Manchester United's leadership demotion

Kiplagat Sang • 16:45 - 19.07.2023

The skipper's armband was taken away from the former Leicester City player after recent poor form.

According to legendary footballer Wayne Rooney, Manchester United Team manager Erik ten Hag does not believe in Harry Maguire who was demoted as Manchester United captain. 

Maguire himself confirmed that he will no longer be the captain of the Red Devils beginning next season. He had become a fifth-choice defender, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and even left-back Luke Shaw all above him in the pecking order.

It is believed that Maguire is ‘angry, shocked, and upset’ with the manager's decision and would be happy to leave and start his life elsewhere, and Rooney concurs that moving out of the club is the only option for the English defender.

"To have the armband taken off you, how does he move forward with the club? That shows the manager really doesn’t believe in him. It leaves Harry in a position where he has to think about what he does moving forward. The manager has shown he is not part of the plans.

I’m sure Harry will want to go and play — for himself, for his England career — to put himself in the best position to be as successful as he can. The best thing now is probably for him to move," Rooney said.

Despite Ten Hag's treatment of Maguire, Rooney believes there were improvements at Manchester United under the Dutchman. The club finished third, returned to Champions League football, and also lifted the Carabao Cup.

"There were huge improvements. Some really good signings and some good experienced players helped the team. 

They’re competing with one of the best teams, probably, of all time in Manchester City. United are trying to get back to challenging for the league title, and I do believe they’re on the right path. There is a lot of work to be done, but they are taking the right steps to do it," said the former Derby County boss.