Why can’t football fans just behave normally for one second?
A Manchester United supporter has set up a petition calling for Harry Maguire to be removed as Manchester United captain.
The English centre-back was named club captain by previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in January 2020 following Ashley Young’s departure from Old Trafford.
The defender, who had only joined United in August 2019, has faced criticism this season for a number of underwhelming performances and high-profile mistakes.
Maguire’s club form has angered Red Devils fans, with many supporters calling for the former Leicester City man to be dropped from the side.
Supporter sets up petition to remove Maguire as captain
However, one fan has seemingly had enough of Maguire altogether – starting a petition on Change.Org to demand that the £80 million man be stripped of the captaincy.
The description reads: “Dear Man Utd fans, we are sick of this $80 million dollar flop parading as our captain. The very fact that he cost 80 million pounds is a sham and a win on the seller’s side.
“The club is for the people and the people have spoken! Stripping Harry Maguire of club captaincy is a step in the right direction for our climb. If it possible, sell him too.
“Our patience has been worn out! Enough is enough. Make Manchester United Great Again. Listen to the fans! Sign the petition.”
The petition, which signs off with, “From Concerned Fan”, has attracted just short of 35,000 signatures so far.
Maguire – who has come under intense scrutiny in recent months – addressed his performances this season in an interview prior to the defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday.
“There's a reason why both managers have put me in the starting eleven every game.”
Harry Maguire responds to his critics 👀
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 19, 2022
“I wouldn’t be playing every game for Manchester United in the starting eleven if I’d been playing bad every game or not playing well enough,” Maguire told Sky Sports.
“There’s a reason why both managers have put me in the starting eleven every game.
“But I do also understand that I’m the captain of this club, I cost a lot of money, and when things aren’t going too well and we’re conceding goals, I’m going to get criticised.”
Ten Hag named Man United boss
On Thursday, United announced the appointment of Erik ten Hag as the club’s next permanent manager. The 52-year-old will leave his position as Ajax manager at the end of the season to take charge at Old Trafford, where he will replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
He has signed a deal until 2025 and will be joined alongside Mitchell van der Gaag, who will become his new assistant manager.
Rangnick, who was named interim boss after the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is expected to move into a consultancy role with United when Ten Hag assumed control.
Related links:
- Police called to home of Harry Maguire over bomb threat
- Defiant Harry Maguire hits back at critics, claims ‘there’s a reason’ he is in starting XI
- Roy Keane responds as Harry Maguire defends Man United performances
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