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Manchester United captain Harry Maguire reportedly turned down the chance to join Barcelona this summer. The Blaugrana had sought him in a swap deal in the much-dragged Frenkie de Jong transfer saga.
The Mirror claimed that the 29-year-old is determined to repay the faith shown in him by new manager Erik ten Hag. The new United manager confirmed that the England defender will remain as captain.
Maguire told his representatives to turn down a move to the Blaugrana this summer. His name was mentioned as part of a potential swap deal for Barca midfielder and United target Frenkie de Jong. The defender has had a dreadful 12 months on the pitch, but is reportedly backed by his teammates.
The previously referenced Mirror report quoted a source close to Maguire, who proclaimed:
"Some players, especially with some of the criticism flying around, would have been desperate to go if Barcelona came calling. But Harry is unmoved and wants to have a successful season with United. When it comes to mental strength, Harry has it in spades. As usual he will get down to doing what he does best."
A close friend of the Manchester United centre-back also added:
"Harry has been made the scapegoat for Manchester United's poor displays last season. Some so-called big players had far worse games than him. It seems that someone has to pay the price. The other season it was David De Gea, who has been magnificent during his time at the club."
The England international has 143 appearances across all competitions, also captaining the Red Devils to the 2021 Europa League final.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag heaps praise on Harry Maguire
The Englishman is still the most expensive centre-back ever following his 2019 move from Leicester City for a sum of £80 million. However, his critics have been incredibly vocal in recent times due to a series of comical errors and poor performances.
However, Ten Hag has made it clear during the pre-season that he is backing Maguire, as the Dutch boss stated (as per the aforementioned Mirror article):
"Harry has proved it in the past, but he has also to prove it in the present and in the future. I will support him everywhere I can. In the end, he has to do it by himself, and he has the qualities to do it. He's shown it so often in the past. He's played 60 times for England. Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him.
Ten Hag added:
"But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like United needs. You cannot win with 11 players. We need a squad, especially this season with so many games. We have the Europa League, the Premier League and the World Cup, so we need a full squad with high-quality players not quantity."
Check out: World Cup Groups and Squads
Manchester United will begin their Premier League season against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.
