Axed Man Utd captain Maguire 'extremely disappointed' - with Fernandes eyes Chelsea move

Axed Manchester United captain Harry Maguire wants to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United despite being left 'extremely disappointed' at having the captaincy taken off him by Erik ten Hag.

Maguire, who has emerged as a target for West Ham, met the United manager for talks over his future on Sunday and was informed that, as he is no longer a regular first-team starter, he would not be continuing as captain of the club.

Bruno Fernandes stepped in to lead the team last season and is expected to continue.

The England international took to Twitter on Sunday to confirm Erik ten Hag's decision, highlighting his regret while pledging his support for the next skipper.

'After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain,' he wrote.

'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.'

Maguire lost his place in the team after Man United's dismal 4-0 defeat to Brentford last August which resulted in his Portuguese team-mate Fernandes leading out the side.

The ex-Leicester City defender started just eight games in the Premier League last season, having been ever-present before Ten Hag's arrival.

Maguire remains determined to regain his first-team place but he is among a number of targets being considered by West Ham following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105million while United are looking to recoup cash from sales to fund their own recruitment drive.

 The 30-year-old does not wish to leave United though as he believes he will still get chances to play as United returns to the Champions League this season.

Ten Hag has preferred Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his starting defensive partnership, while Maguire also suffered injuries last season, even playing with broken ribs at one point.

Yet, he has put in extra work already this summer, notably training at the camp of former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho in Portugal.

He believes he can still make an impact for United and subsequently with England ahead of the European Championship.

SunSport revealed eight days ago Maguire was set to have the captaincy taken away — with Bruno Fernandes likely to get the role ahead of Casemiro.

Half of the Premier League clubs tried to sign him on loan in January and, while United has set an ambitious asking price of £50m, it is likely to drop towards £30m.

As well as Prem interest, Inter Milan and Saudi clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal also need center-backs.

Maguire has two years left on his £200,000-a-week United contract.