Former Man United defender explains why Erik ten Hag is right to keep Harry Maguire as captain

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made the right decision in allowing Harry Maguire to remain club captain.

That is according to former United defender Mikael Silvestre, who suggests a lack of suitable alternatives was one key reason for Maguire, 29, keeping hold of the armband this season. Maguire returned from injury to lead United in their pre-season friendly against Melbourne Victory.

Having been publicly backed by Ten Hag with question marks over his position, England international Maguire was missing for the pulsating victory over Liverpool in Bangkok due to injury. However, he made a swift comeback at the MCG in Australia.

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In doing so, Maguire picked up the armband from stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes and started alongside Sweden international Victor Lindelof with Raphael Varane missing from the matchday squad. David de Gea and Fernandes were both, meanwhile, viewed as candidates to replace Maguire had Ten Hag opted for a change.

Speaking to Lord Ping about that decision, ex-United player Silvestre said: "It's easy to have continuity with Maguire and he's respected in the dressing room. Fans need to give him time to get back to his best so it's the right call at the moment for the manager.

"At this moment, there's not a lot of players who are distinguished and who could be captain straightaway. You do have many players who are leaders, you have experienced guys who [also] have to take responsibility."

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