Harry Maguire talks Man Utd captaincy and expecting high standards

Harry Maguire says being named Manchester United’s new captain is a “massive honour” as he takes greater responsibility in leading from the back just six months after joining the club.

The centre-back succeeds Ashley Young in the captaincy role after the full-back completed his move to Inter Milan on Friday.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, Maguire discusses what it means to be given the armband.

“It’s a massive honour to be the captain of this prestigious club,” Maguire said. “It’s a great feeling for myself but the hard work continues and I’ll keep doing the best I can, on and off the pitch, to make this club successful.”

READ MORE: (Photo) Ashley Young sends emotional message to Man Utd fans after Inter Milan move

This a big statement from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — to give Maguire the armband despite being a new signing. He clearly trusts the England international to be a good influence both on and off the pitch in leading this young squad to success.

We back the decision to name Maguire as Man Utd’s new captain.

Young didn’t play every week because he’s 34 and Solskjaer has better options like Brandon Williams at left-back.

The difference with Maguire is we know he’s in the team every week and looks a commanding figure the best of times.

“I’ve only been here five or six months and to gain his [Solskjaer] trust in that amount of time is obviously a great feeling for myself,” he added. “It gives me confidence going into games and the way I put myself around the place. Off the field and on the field is especially important as a captain and it’s something I’m looking forward to but, like I said, the main thing is being successful as a club during the time I’m here.”

When MUTV’s Stewart Gardner asked what type of captain he portrays himself as, Maguire responded: “It’s something that’s grown in my game in the last few years. I talk on the pitch and I want to do it more. It’s something I’ve tried to improve over the last few years. You can probably ask the boys… I do speak a lot on the pitch. I expect good standards from everyone and I demand a lot from the players around me; I’m sure they’ll all say the same. But for me it’s about being fully focused on my own performance and also now – as it has been since I started – making sure the team is successful.”

Maguire’s first game as official captain is against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

More Stories Harry Maguire