Harry Maguire will be keeping captaincy duties at Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed, with the £80 million ($104m) defender taking the armband from Ashley Young.
The Red Devils are preparing to part with a versatile operator who has been the club’s on-field leader since the start of the season.
Young, who has been linked with a move to Serie A giants Inter for some time now, is closing in on a move to Italy.
As he prepares to depart, his role at Old Trafford will be passed on to Maguire.
The most expensive defender in world football has already taken the armband on several occasions since linking up with United in the summer of 2019.
Solskjaer intends to make that a full-time appointment for the England international, with the 26-year-old centre-half considered to boast the qualities required to skipper one of the world’s biggest clubs.
The Red Devils boss has said: “Harry is wearing the captain’s armband and will keep wearing it.
“He’s been a leader in the group. I’ve been, not surprised, but impressed by his leadership skills, so he will continue wearing the armband.
“He’s come in and everything about him tells me he’s a leader.
“He’s part of a group that we’ve had that have been leading this young group. Ashley has been, David [de Gea], Marcus [Rashford], Harry, so Harry will keep on wearing the armband.”
With Maguire now in place as captain, United are ready to bid farewell to Young.
Solskjaer has praised the 34-year-old for his contribution over eight-and-a-half years and wishes him well in a new challenge at San Siro.
“To be fair, I think it was for Ashley, he’s 35 in the summer and if he gets a two-year contract somewhere, I think it’s up to him to take that,” said Solskjaer.
“We were ready to offer that, he’s been a good servant, captain, won trophies, league cups, but we’ve got players coming through.”
Timothy Fosu-Mensah is among those to have graduated out of the academy system at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old Dutchman, who has made 21 competitive appearances for the Red Devils, is held in high regard and his presence will keep United out of the market for another full-back.
Solskjaer said when asked if he will seek cover for Young: “Timothy is coming back as well, he’s a right-back and played for Holland as a right back aged 19.
“We want him back, Diogo [Dalot] is back fit but the full-back position we’re quite ok.”
vuedeimpy
1034
i'am not agree Harry Maguire is the captain of man utd because he just arrive at man utd and he is Captain No No!..David De Gea should be the captain of man utd because he is long time at man utd and he is the elders
Ismitty
903
Well Congratulations . But that's an Insult to the likes of De Gea , Rashford and co . Maguire just joined us this season
KwameNytro
757
Captain ship is not about how long you’ve been at the club. De Gea is certainly not a leader on the pitch he can’t even shout
Profnick
733
I don't understand why people are arguing the decision, Maguire is experienced and very vocal, just like Ashley Young. when Ole bought him it was clear he was buying a leader, someone who got to the world cup and has plenty caps for his nation. this is the correct appointment. DDG is a great keeper and loyal servant but his leadership qualities are questionable at times and he is not that vocal or commanding
foaemuz
361
Ole is the reason DeGea underperforming. DeGea should be the Captain because he is the longest serving player in that First eleven.Ole show discrimination and tribalism by electing mostly the English.I am telling you those little things he is doing are bringing down United.
Çapiitø
239
captaincy has become fashion nowadays. a new player becomes captain over old players what do you expect your team players to say or think they will not even think of sending you the coach to the top four on the league table
Daycdlmnuy
166
it's hard not to feel sad that it wasn't handed to Dave, but honestly Dave is not much of a captain material, a captain has to be vocal, De gea is not very vocal, Maguire is always seen organizing the defense, and having a keeper as the skipper is also limiting, as he can't always go out to calm things down when tempers flare up upfield, let's trust in the decisions of the manager, ggmu
AdvaitKulkarni
150
world class defender, towering personality, british player , easy to talk with and worlds most expensive defender ,i think thats enough
ramshranbogati
102
its right choice .... he is a leader on and off the pitch... good luck manu for ur liverpool clash... wish nothing less than a victory