Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hand over captain’s armband to Harry Maguire in the future.
Harry Maguire, who joined Manchester United for a record £80 million fee, will take up captain’s armband in the future.
The English International became expensive defender following his move from Leicester City to Manchester United this week. The Red Devils confirmed that Maguire would don the red shirt – wearing number 5 at the back. It was previously worn by Marcos Rojo, and Maguire’s idol Rio Ferdinand, who left the club in 2014.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that Ashley Young would lead the club in the upcoming season. The full-back signed a year extension, but remains unlikely to stay for another season – opening doors for others. The Red Devils hierarchy see Maguire’s captaincy skills and could hand over the captain’s armband next summer.
A club source told Daily Star: “One of the main attractions when it came to signing Maguire was that the manager felt he had good leadership attributes,”
“He’s now an established international and plays in a position from which he can see how a game is developing.
“Making him captain in the future is certainly something the club are looking at.”
Ferdinand cost United £30 million in 2002 summer transfer window, becoming the world’s most expensive defender at the time.
“After speaking to numerous people that know him, they all say what a level-headed, hard-working lad he is,” he told the United website.
“He will give 110 per cent for his team, which he echoed when signing.
“I think something United have needed defensively in recent years is a big character who can take on the responsibility of leading from the back and, from what I’ve heard from people who know him well, they are confident that he will bring that to this football club.”
Here’s how Twitter has reacted..
Confirmation that @HarryMaguire93 is #MUFC‘s new no.5️⃣
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 7, 2019
OFFICIAL: Manchester United have confirmed Harry Maguire will be wearing the No.5 shirt for the upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/vjbSKkMxvB
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) August 7, 2019
Rio Ferdinand sends personal message to Man Utd new boy Harry Maguire https://t.co/9K7yrmxCa8 pic.twitter.com/rpfiuqNo7z
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 6, 2019
Ferdinand: “I think #mufc have needed [defensively] a big character who can take on the responsibility of leading from the back – from what I’ve heard from people who know him [Maguire] well, they are confident that he will bring that to this football club.” #mulive [@rioferdy5]
— utdreport (@utdreport) August 6, 2019
Rio Ferdinand on Maguire: “I would like to wish him well in the number five shirt of #mufc and hope he can help bring back success to our club. Good luck Harry Maguire.” #mulive [@rioferdy5]
— utdreport (@utdreport) August 6, 2019
What’s next?
Manchester United will be anticipated to finish in a Champions League spot after spending 150 million in the transfer window this summer.