Maguire set to be axed as Man Utd captain even if he snubs transfer away

HARRY MAGUIRE is set to officially lose the captain’s armband at Manchester United this week — even if he stays put.

Maguire has so far kept the role of club skipper, despite starting only eight Premier League games last season.

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But with little chance of it changing, Erik ten Hag will speak to his squad in coming days for their view.

Bruno Fernandes, team skipper in the second half of last season, looks likely to get the full-time role.

Maguire, 30, is behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw in the defensive pecking order.

Openings are limited but a pay hike due to United’s Champions League return could turn off suitors.

There was interest from West Ham — a loan move was snubbed in January — while Spurs and Newcastle have been linked to bids.

United must sell to fund more big buys after Mason Mount’s £55million arrival and with the takeover saga muddying Ten Hag’s plans.

Maguire has two years on his deal but knows his England spot is at risk if he is out of the first team.

United must take a huge loss on the £85m he cost from Leicester in 2019.

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If they do find a buyer the club face handing the centre-back a pay-off to offset any cut to his near £200,000-a-week wages.

Talking to The Times about Maguire’s place in the squad at the end of last season, Ten Hag said: “Yes, but he has high competition there with Raphael Varane [at centre back], who’s fantastic. That describes everything.

“No one would be happy with this situation [on the bench].