Erik ten Hag praised for 'smart' Manchester United captaincy decision

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been praised for waiting until the end of the season to make a decision on Harry Maguire's future.

MEN Sport understands United value Maguire at £50million but there is a general consensus they will not be able to obtain that price. The 30-year-old is set for crunch talks with Ten Hag over his future and following his drop down the pecking order last year, it is unclear whether he will keep the captain's armband.

Speaking to Betfred, former United striker Louis Saha praised the Dutchman's handling of the Maguire situation last term and explained how now would be the perfect chance for Ten Hag to promote another player to skipper. He explained: "I believe it would have been harsh of Erik ten Hag to have stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy during the season, but it’s a new era and I believe Harry will understand the decision because it makes sense to give the captaincy to a player that inspires, has the confidence of the manager and that starts almost every game.

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"It would also be smart to have a captain that doesn’t attract so much attention from the media too." Bruno Fernandes took the role of captain in Maguire's absence last season but earned criticism himself from some pundits due to his perceived 'moaning' on the pitch.

While Saha does not see Maguire regaining his place in the United team, he does think the centre-back can return to the form which earned him a move to Old Trafford. "One thing about Harry is that he’s not lost his confidence in himself, which is good,"