Harry Maguire can prove fans wrong as Manchester United captain, former Manchester United defender says
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes that Harry Maguire can still make a difference as the club's captain next season.
The former Leicester City man was signed for £80 million and foisted with the responsibility of captaining the side six months into his time at the club. It has not gone well so far for the England defender and many fans have risen up to ask the club to strip him of the captaincy.
Reports have it that new manager Erik ten Hag has also decided to free the 29-year-old from the responsibility of leadership and has left the decision up to the members of the squad. However, Brown believes that Maguire can still show his stuff next season while wearing the captain's armband.
What has been said
Brown was speaking with GOAL when he was asked about the captaincy issue at his former club. “It’s a good question. If it was me, I would want it back to show everyone and prove everyone wrong,” he said. “It was a tough season for Harry, there were certain games where he didn’t play well.
“I think there were games where the team didn’t play well and ultimately, the manager and the captain have to take that – that’s just how it goes. I watched most of the games and, yes, there have been times when Harry could do better, but the trouble starts from before that – there are three or four mistakes before that.
“Ultimately, Harry will have to take the stick because as defenders that is what happens. Harry will be determined to prove everybody wrong. He has got a good head on him, he is experienced. When your confidence does go, it takes a while to come back.
“Don’t get me wrong, it is more difficult when people highlight and put pressure on you, but you do know you are at Manchester United, the standards are high, and that’s the be-all and end-all really – you have to perform. When you are the captain of Manchester United, they are going to focus on you.
“It’s tough. As captain, people go on like ‘he’s not like Roy Keane’ – who is? The game has changed, it’s not like that now. Everyone should be the captain, you all do your part.
“For Harry, it’s about focusing on getting a really good pre-season. If it was me, I would want to prove everybody wrong.”
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