The writing has been firmly on the wall for Harry Maguire since Erik ten Hag took charge. Maguire's Manchester United days were clearly numbered when the Reds' boss dropped him down the pecking order, even picking Luke Shaw at centre-back ahead of the England international.
It was a sad decline for a centre-back who offered so much promise when he arrived from Leicester City in 2019. He came in on the back of a brilliant World Cup and was one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League.
However, Maguire's tale was one of mismanagement by several coaches. Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here ALSO READ: United trying to sign centre-back as Maguire nears exit The 30-year-old was rushed into the captaincy at Old Trafford despite being fresh through the door.
Looking back, it was unfair to demand so much of him, so early into his career in the northwest. Ten Hag's decision to strip him of the armband in the summer should have been made at least a year prior.