06 August 2023 , 14:16
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Harry Maguire has been dealt another snub by Erik ten Hag for his side's final pre-season clash with Athletic Bilbao.
England defender Maguire was stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag earlier this summer after finding himself down the pecking order at Old Trafford. He has been tipped to leave Old Trafford this summer with West Ham among the clubs interested but a deal is yet to materialise.
Maguire is believed to be willing to stay and fight for his place but Ten Hag has offered another clear signal of his intentions. Most of United's first-team players were involved against Lens at Old Trafford on Saturday while those who did not feature travelled to Dublin to face Athletic.
Maguire was among them and despite Bruno Fernandes being absent and the likes of Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane and Casemiro not being involved, was not given the armband.
Instead that honour went to back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who made just a handful of appearances in club competitions last season.
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Ten Hag was also able to give minutes to fringe players including Donny van de Beek and Victor Lindelof, while there were also starts for youngsters Omari Forson and Dan Gore.
Maguire is in the United side to face Athletic BilbaoUnited kick off their campaign against Wolves next Monday and there is every chance that axed skipper Maguire may not even make the matchday squad. United want around £35m for the defender and West Ham are hopeful that price tag will drop before the transfer window closes after having a £20m bid rejected.
Everton are also thought to be keen but would only be interested in a loan deal and would not be able to afford Maguire's £200,000-a-week wages.
Maguire issued an emotional statement last month, confirming he had been stripped of the captaincy. In the post, he said: "After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt."