Speaking of the most disastrous footballers, British center-back Harry Maguire tops the list after he led the team to slump to the bottom of the standings at the beginning of the season. But, with him on the bench, the club's performance has regained distinctive form, apart from their 6-3 defeat away to Manchester City.
Despite his disastrous performance, Maguire retained his captaincy at Old Trafford. So United fans can't help questioning his status.
Main Stand reveals why Maguire remains Manchester United’s captain with no opposition from the club members, albeit the fans' strong objection to his status.
Inconsistency didn't strip Maguire of his captaincy
Maguire has made embarrassing appearances in the 2021-22 season, especially as a defensive player who caused the team to concede 57 goals, four more than relegated Burnley.
According to the statistics, Harry Maguire committed the most errors in the 2020-21 season, topping the chart with seven direct errors leading to a shot in his last 62 league appearances.
Nemanja Matic occupies the second spot, with a ratio of six errors in just 39 games.
Despite losing form, Maguire has always been defended by his England national football team manager Gareth Southgate. Southgate once launched a public defense of Harry Maguire after booing from the Three Lions fans at Wembley Stadium.
As Maguire has been allowed to make consistent appearances, Manchester United fans hoped new manager Erik ten Hag must be the one who reconsiders appointing the new captain in the 2022-23 season.
But it turned out that Erik ten Hag also overtly defended Maguire, stating that the English international center-back was bombarded by overstating criticism.
The head coach even said Maguire's 2021-22 performance was an outstanding contribution to the team, contrary to the statistical information and supporter's remarks.
"I have to get to know all the players, but he's an established captain and has achieved great success. I have to repeat: next season is a different season. He has already achieved a lot. So I am looking forward to working with him," Dutchman Ten Hag referred to Maguire before the 2022-2023 season.
Without a doubt, Ten Hag prioritized the defense, notably when he first took over the Red Devils. So Maguire gained trust from the manager and was appointed the captain. On top of that, as Ten Hag has just started his managerial role at Old Trafford, it is disrespectful to strip him of the captaincy following a dismal performance in the previous season.
At the beginning of the season, Maguire's performance saw no improvement, whether dealing with ball passing and movement, resulting in Manchester United's unprecedentedly dismal defensive lines. As a result, the side lost six valuable points in the first two matches.
Erik ten Hag couldn't help but leave Maguire on the bench, hoping to regain players' confidence and faith among supporters. In the absence of Maguire, the team regained impressive form. Although he is a substitute player, he is still the captain, leaving Maguire's role under severe scrutiny as the Red Devils' fans wonder whether there are more suitable alternatives.
Is it time for a new captain?
Considering the likes of other United players, you realize that David de Gea, Bruno Fernandes, and Cristiano Ronaldo deserve to be the captain, based on their substantial experience and excellence.
Based on prestige, Cristiano Ronaldo or CR7 is the first choice. Even Maguire claimed Ronaldo is the only player that made a stunning feat in the previous season. Coupled with his five Ballon d'Or triumphs, Ronaldo tops the list.
Although he is now a substitute team player, his hunger for victory is noticeable. Not to mention, he is the Portugal national football team's captain, so many strongly believe he will be able to motivate his fellow players.
But unfortunately, Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave Manchester United during the transfer window, showing that his bond with Old Trafford is not strong enough to bestow him with the captain's armband.
The next one who can deputize is Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea. Apart from Maguire, he is also a lynchpin in the team's defensive game. Substantiated by his decade-long stay at United, he makes a good choice.
But the thing is, De Gea's form is not superior to Maguire's. He outweighed Maguire but frequently committed errors, gaining modest trust among fans.
The last candidate is Bruno Fernandes, the stand-in captain, an impressive player on and off the pitch. Portugal playmaker Fernandes is one of a few United players with a consuming passion for bringing back glory to the team after the team was ranked sixth in the standings and qualified only for UEFA Europa League qualification in the underperforming season.
However, Bruno once clearly stated that he agreed with Maguire's continuation as the captain. He retaliated against the media that tensely criticized Maguire on social media, blaming critics for jumping to conclusions about what happened among the squad.
The above might show that Maguire seems to be the most qualified for the captain's armband. So Manchester United unhesitantly maintains his role as the captain.
Reassurance from the head coach
As Maguire seems to earn the privilege to be the captain, what makes him deserve captaincy?
What makes Maguire remain the captain does not deal with his footballing abilities. On the other hand, it is leadership that could make Maguire a valuable player again.
Former Ireland international Andy Townsend's statement is thought-provoking. He agreed with the club's decision to re-appoint Maguire, the captain, stating he wanted Maguire to regain his aggressive form.
Erik ten Hag might think the same way. He clarified that Maguire would improve his performance under the captain's reign. Maguire's performance was better than this, so all believe he could regain his excellence. Whether Maguire will regain his prestige depends on the manager, the one who can decide if he will offer Maguire opportunities.
Although Maguire has been on the bench in consecutive matches, Erik ten Hag has yet to lose faith in him. On the contrary, the Dutch coach always gives him chances to prove his performance.
And Maguire's position as the captain could play a vital role in regaining his form. On the contrary, if Ten Hag discontinues Maguire's captaincy, it will discourage the team.
It is undeniable that Maguire's form is so disastrous that he doesn't deserve to be the captain. But what matters is trust and opportunities a player should be given. Unfortunately, footballing skills do not lead Maguire to be named the captain, but that could lead him to regain his form. Only time will tell.
Source:
https://www.sportingnews.com/my/soccer/news/harry-maguire-man-united-captain-erik-ten-hag/wrfpxzpgc7skpsqjhqubcoov
