Harry Maguire has been stripped of the Manchester United captaincy by manager Erik ten Hag.

The England defender had been Red Devils skipper since January 2020 but was out of favour for much of Ten Hag's first season in charge last term.

Maguire, 30, wrote on Twitter: "After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. 

"He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I'm personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt. 

"So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I've been wearing the armband. 

"Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it's been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. 

"It's one of the greatest honours in club football. I've done everything I possibly could to help United be successful — on and off the field.

"I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support."

Maguire's long-term Red Devils future remains in doubt after he started just eight times in the Premier League last term.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were Ten Hag's preferred choices in central defence, with left-back Luke Shaw even deputising there ahead of Maguire.

The former Leicester and Hull centre-back has been linked with a loan move away from Old Trafford, with West Ham reportedly keen.

Influential midfielder Bruno Fernandes appears the most likely candidate to take over the captaincy after regularly wearing the armband in Maguire's absence last season.