Harry Maguire reignites the battle for the Manchester United captaincy

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has insisted he remains a leader within the squad, despite losing the captain's armband to Bruno Fernandes earlier this season. The England international made the comments ahead of the Red Devils' Europa League clash with Rangers.

Maguire was handed the captain's armband by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shortly after joining the club from Leicester City in 2019. However, new boss Erik ten Hag opted to strip him of the captaincy in the summer, with Fernandes taking over the role.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's Europa League encounter, Maguire said: "I'm a leader, whether I'm captain or not. I have experience, I've been playing at this club for a while now."

The 31-year-old has faced criticism for his performances in recent seasons, and his loss of the captaincy has been seen by some as a sign that he is no longer a key figure at Old Trafford. However, Maguire has remained a regular in the starting lineup, and he has insisted that he will continue to give his all for the club.

The importance of the captain's armband

The captain's armband at Manchester United is a highly coveted honour, and the decision to strip Maguire of it was a significant one. The role of the captain is not just about wearing a band on your arm; it's about leading by example, both on and off the pitch.

Fernandes has proven to be a natural leader, and he has helped to galvanise the United squad since taking over the captaincy. However, Maguire still has a lot to offer the team, and his experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable in the coming seasons.

Maguire's future at United

Maguire's future at United has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with reports suggesting that the club could be looking to sell him in the summer. However, the defender has insisted that he is happy at Old Trafford and that he is determined to prove his worth to the manager.

If Maguire can rediscover his best form, he could still have a long and successful career at United. However, if his performances continue to decline, the club may have no choice but to cash in on him.