18 July 2023 , 06:00
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It's been anything but plain sailing for Harry Maguire since the England star cruised into Manchester United as the world's most expensive defender back in 2019.
After making a positive start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Maguire has become a maligned figure at Old Trafford over the past two years following an alarming drop-off in form. And after losing his spot in the first-team shortly after the arrival of Erik ten Hag last summer, the 30-year-old's miserable spell has now culminated in him being stripped of the Manchester United captaincy.
After a string of chastening experiences, a move away could be beneficial for Maguire ahead of Euro 2024. Maguire is still a regular for England, but his long-term future at club level is now far from certain.
While Maguire has been reluctant to entertain the idea of moving on from the club, this latest setback could finally persuade him to seek a fresh start after a string of previous issues...
X-rated Rashford spat
Although Maguire's struggles accelerated following the departure of Solskjaer back in November 2021, all was not well before the Norwegian's exit.
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During a goalless draw against Crystal Palace back in March 2021, Maguire became embroiled in a bitter spat with Marcus Rashford in the middle of a crunch league match.
The Manchester United skipper was met with an angry response when he lambasted Rashford for straying offside. The United striker snapped back and told Maguire to "shut the f*** up" during the X-rated clash, which was picked up by television cameras.
Join the debate! Was Ten Hag right to strip Maguire of the captaincy? Let us know here.
Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford were involved in an X-rated clash back in March 2021'Poisonous' teammate claim
Maguire has endured his fair share of turmoil away from the public eye, too. In the wake of his disappointing performances, Maguire has been heavily criticised by fans and pundits alike, particularly during the interim reign of Ralf Rangnick.
There were even reports claiming that his own teammates were 'privately questioning' Rangnick's decision to persevere with the beleaguered defender back in March 2022.
That report, and the subsequent decision to start Maguire in the Manchester derby, had a 'poisonous' effect on an already fractured dressing room. It was revealed at the end of the season that the majority of players believed they knew who was responsible for the chastening claims against Maguire, who knew he would have a new manager to impress in the form of Ten Hag.
Maguire has been heavily criticised for his performances over the past couple of years (Getty Images)Captaincy latest
Unfortunately for Maguire, things have gone from bad to worse since the arrival of Ten Hag.
The centre-back lost his place in the Manchester United XI in the early weeks of the Dutchman's premiership following heavy defeats against Brighton and Brentford. He failed to reclaim a first-team berth during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, with Luke Shaw - a left-back by trade - even selected ahead of him at times.
Following months of speculation, Maguire then announced on Sunday that he had been informed that he would not be continuing in his role as club captain ahead of the new season.
It now remains to be seen what the future will hold for Maguire, who has previously been determined to fight for his future at Old Trafford. There's every chance that stance could soften in the coming weeks after his latest setback; particularly in the wake of reported interest from some of the Red Devils' Premier League rivals.
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