Harry Maguire has been stripped of the Manchester United captaincy, further fuelling rumours that he will leave the club this summer. The centre-back has confirmed the decision on his Twitter account, and it is now likely that Bruno Fernandes will take up the captaincy after being the vice captain this past season.

Maguire only made eight starts for the club this past season, and featured a total of 16 times in the league. The arrival of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane has pushed the former Leicester City defender down in the pecking order, with even Luke Shaw preferred at centre half than him.

Harry Maguire confirms Manchester United captaincy shift

“After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. 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.”

“Since the day I took on the role, three and 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,” Harry Maguire wrote on his Twitter.

“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.”