Wayne Rooney tells Harry Maguire to leave Manchester United as Erik ten Hag ‘really doesn’t believe in him’ after stripping him of captaincy

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has told Harry Maguire that he must leave the club after having the captaincy stripped from him this summer.

Erik ten Hag relieved the 30-year-old of his duties as captain of the club this summer after a frustrating season for Maguire.

The defender made just 16 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils last season, and has now been handed advice from United legend Rooney.

Speaking to The Athletic ahead of the MLS All-Star clash against Arsenal, in which Rooney is the head coach, he said: ‘To have the armband taken off you, how does he move forward with the club?’ 

‘That shows the manager really doesn’t believe in him. It leaves Harry in a position where he has to think on what he does moving forward. 

Wayne Rooney has told Harry Maguire to leave Manchester United for the good of his career

The England defender was stripped of the captaincy by manager Erik ten Hag this summer

Maguire has been subject of a bid from West Ham United, which was rejected by the Red Devils

The former England star continued to discuss how he believes the situation leaves Maguire in an awkward position with Ten Hag. 

‘The manager has shown he is not part of the plans,’ he said, before telling Maguire that he must put himself first now.

‘I’m sure Harry will want to go and play — for himself, for his England career — to put himself in the best position to be as successful as he can. 

‘The best thing now is probably for him to move.’

Man United have already rejected a loan bid for Maguire this summer, with West Ham United looking to bring the England defender in on a temporary deal.

It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for the 30-year-old, with it clear what former United man Rooney would do in his situation.