Although Harry Maguire plans to remain at Manchester United, he might not retain the captaincy.
After a disappointing year, Maguire’s leadership was questioned by some of his own teammates resulting in his future at Old Trafford being in doubt.
Even if the leadership currently seems to be in doubt, new manager Erik ten Hag intends to maintain him as one of his center defenders with Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.
When Ralf Rangnick, United’s interim manager, suggested that the players should elect who wears the armband, Ten Hag felt ambivalent about the idea.
If United can find another player in his position this summer, Maguire, who lost his spot under Rangnick, will have even more competition next season.
Jurrien Timber, who was an Ajax player under Ten Hag, would be their preferred choice. But United thinks he could choose to remain with the Dutch champions. Pau Torres of Villarreal and Timber’s Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez are more choices.
Along with Christian Eriksen, Frenkie de Jong and Antony are two further players that Ten Hag wants to sign from Ajax.
United is still in negotiations with Barcelona on a transfer cost for the Holland midfielder, and De Jong is their top target. United is willing to walk away from the agreement and will not be forced to satisfy Barca’s £70 million demand.
Ajax would want around about £40 million for the Brazilian winger Antony, but Eriksen is a free agent following a season at Brentford.
As negotiations between the two teams advance, United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is anticipated to sign a season-long loan with Nottingham Forest.