One of the more interesting subplots during this pre-season was what Erik ten Hag was planning to do with the Manchester United captaincy.
It was clear that the position weighed heavily on Harry Maguire last season, with the defender seemingly losing all of his confidence as the club endured a very tough campaign. Not only that, but there were suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted the armband for himself.
Some felt it was inevitable that ten Hag would look to make a change in that department this summer, although the issue has now been put to bed. Speaking on the club's pre-season tour in Thailand earlier today, the Dutchman confirmed that Maguire would be the captain for the upcoming season.
Harry Maguire is the captain. I have to get to know all the players, but he's an established captain and he's achieved a lot of success.
I don't see this as an issue.
However, the news has not been all that well received by some supporters.
Gary Neville has now called out such opinions.
Gary Neville addresses Harry Maguire captaincy decision
The Sky Sports pundit seemed happy with the decision to keep Harry Maguire in the role as club captain, taking to Twitter to call on the United fans to back him in the months ahead.
Good! https://t.co/XEB3cjpyY8
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 11, 2022
So the same United fans fuming with me for applauding the decision to keep Maguire as captain seem to be without knowing criticising the new manager for his decision. Maybe support Maguire and stop bullying him on here! The new manager obviously likes him.
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 11, 2022
This is a big vote in confidence in Maguire, especially considering his form last season. It seems ten Hag has been impressed with what he has seen from him so far in their brief time together.
Neville would go on to call out a number of responses he received, implying that this decision must be backed if there is to be any confidence in the new manager.
You having a go at me or our new manager that selected him as the Captain? https://t.co/I2qkY3WccF
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 11, 2022
Sorry to inform you it’s a Dutch manager that’s selected him as captain not an English Clown. https://t.co/tZoKpUZMCa
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 11, 2022
ETH thinks he does! https://t.co/l0HUvPgC34
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 11, 2022
Yes and I will be backing ETH when you want him sacked
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 11, 2022
Manchester United will open their pre-season schedule with a game against Liverpool tomorrow, followed by a trip to Australia for games against Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa.
They will open their Premier League campaign at home to Brighton in early August. For now, it looks as though Harry Maguire will be wearing the armband in that fixture.
SEE ALSO: Troy Parrott Is Making A Massive Impression On Spurs' Asian Pre-Season Tour
