New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire remains as the club’s captain.
The experienced centre-back was given the armband shortly after his 2019 transfer from Leicester City.
Ten Hag also clarified that Cristiano Ronaldo is in his plans for the new season while fielding a number of questions on the striker’s future
Ten Hag spoke at his first press conference of Tour 2022 to preview Tuesday’s match against Liverpool at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium.
After confirming in the press conference that “Harry Maguire is the captain”, Erik was then asked to explain why he is right for the role.
“Of course, I have to get to know all the players and it takes time,” the manager was quoted as saying on Manchester United’s website.
“But he is an established captain for a few years and he has achieved a lot of success, so I don’t doubt about this issue.”
The Reds’ new boss was asked about the absence of the Portugal international from his Tour 2022 squad during his pre-match press conference for Tuesday’s match against Liverpool in Bangkok.
“He is not with us, and it is due to personal reasons,” said the Dutchman.
“We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season.
“That’s it and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
He added, “Cristiano is in our plans and we want to get success together.”
Ten Hag was keen to stress he has previously had a very positive conversation with the 37-year-old.
“I had a good conversation with him and I had a really good talk,” he added..
“(The conversation) is between Cristiano and me,” he said. “But what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together.”