Real reason why David De Gea was ignored for Man Utd captaincy. The role instead went to Harry Maguire who has been at the club for less than a season.
For most of the current season, Manchester United were led by Ashley Young. In the absence of the veteran fullback, that role was given to another seasoned player in David De Gea. However, once Young departed to Inter Milan in January, the armband went to Harry Maguire instead.
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The decision came as a surprise to many considering De Gea had been with the club since 2011 and had played close to 400 games for the Red Devils while Maguire had only just arrived last summer. However, transfer expert, Ian McGarry has now revealed why this decision was made.
Real reason why David De Gea was ignored for Man Utd captaincy
Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, McGarry said:
“His criticism of team tactics and indeed the manager have not gone down well and led to him being withdrawn from being a candidate for the captaincy which Harry Maguire now holds.”
The moment that McGarry is referring to is likely after Man Utd’s loss to Newcastle last October following which De Gea did not hold back in the post-match interview.
We didn’t create any proper chances,” De Gea had told Sky Sports back then.
“We defended well. The team needs to step up. We have some big injuries but that’s no excuse.
“We are Manchester United, we need to keep training hard, fighting and winning games.
“Everything [needs to improve]. A lot of things to improve.
“I don’t know what to say. Keep trying, fighting, improving every day. It’s a hard moment for us.
“The most difficult time since I’ve been here. I don’t know why, what is happening. Sorry to the fans.
“We will keep fighting. Come on, we conceded a goal from a comer. That cannot happen. It’s unacceptable.”
De Gea’s future at the club was under question last year. However, the Spaniard put an end to all speculation after signing a contract extension that ties his future with the club until at least 2023. However, McGarry also claims that the Glovesman has downed tools, since signing the new deal.
“There is a feeling at the club among some of the football department staff that De Gea has kind of downed tools to a certain extent since signing his new lucrative contract, and that’s led to the decrease in performance level,” he added.
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