Manchester United: Fans rage at Harry Maguire as footage emerges

Many Manchester United fans have urged the club to strip Harry Maguire of the captaincy after footage emerged of the defender disagreeing with Marcus Rashford over Anthony Martial’s red card against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 27-year-old has already come under intense scrutiny from some Manchester United supporters after the Red Devils suffered their joint-heaviest Premier League defeat against Tottenham. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side shipped six goals against Spurs and lost their first two home league games for the first time since 1986/87 (via BBC).

The defeat against Tottenham compounded what has been a miserable start to the season for United, who had already shipped three goals in defeat against Crystal Place and two in their win at Brighton. The England international delivered a poor performance in Sunday’s defeat to Spurs, losing possession 11 times and making one error leading to a goal (via Sofascore).

United were not helped by Martial, who was sent off for hitting out at Eric Lamela. However, replays showed that Lamela had first made contact with the Frenchman before he retaliated, but only the Manchester United striker was punished.

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Footage has now emerged on Twitter of Maguire seemingly supporting the decision made by VAR in an argument with Rashford. The 27-year-old appeared to suggest that Lamela’s contact with Martial was not violent conduct as had been adjudged by the officials.

Lots of Manchester United fans have reacted to this footage by insisting that Maguire needs to be stripped of the captaincy, while others pointed out his unsuitability for the captain’s armband.

Here are just some of the reactions to the incident from United fans on social media.

https://twitter.com/RiZzyUTD/status/1313580986257604608

Disgraceful. We need leaders to be fair and speak their mind. Not to cave in to the formalities. Not happy about this!

— United Ledger 🇾🇪 (@UtdLedger) October 6, 2020

Should have offered the Ref a bribe instead to keep Martial on, or at least say somthing rather than stand away with his arms on his hips.. Pathetic excuse of a captain! Strip him of the armband and give it to Rashford! #MUFC https://t.co/5fdqJZnVNJ

— Farulinho (@FarulMiah) October 7, 2020

Maguire is just embarrassing! Anyone who has ever kicked a ball should know he is not a captain. Made the decision too easy for the ref. Get in his ear and make him think hard. He doesn’t lead by words or actions. Just imagine your team mates not tracking and not saying anything?

— Emeka Chukumah (@Emexsy) October 6, 2020

I got no problem with maguire’s reply to Marcus but there is no reason for him not to be yelling at Antony Taylor’s face. Simple as that. Need to voice your opinion loud and clear as a captain on the pitch

— Jef 🇾🇪 (@Jef161910) October 6, 2020

Some captain he is. Nice job defending your own players. Idc if he’s spouting nonsense you defend your players no matter what even if you know your wrong. This guy could learn a thing or two just watching clips of Keane

— Liam (@Utd_Liam_) October 6, 2020