Shocking Revelation: Erik ten Hag shakes up Manchester United with bold captaincy decision for Harry Maguire

Erik ten Hag has displayed his knack for making significant decisions by stripping Harry Maguire of his captaincy at Manchester United. Even Cristiano Ronaldo's tenure was short-lived under his leadership. This ruthlessness in implementing changes is evident as the club's long-serving goalkeeper, David De Gea, is also no longer with the team. In managing these changes, Ten Hag has demonstrated that introducing a new order of things can be a daunting and uncertain task, as famously stated by diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli.

They claim that the key to change is not to waste energy battling the past but rather to focus on creating something new. This is exactly what he has been doing, simultaneously constructing his fresh concept while dismantling the foundations of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United. It is no surprise that Ralf Rangnick predicted it would take six years to accomplish this feat.

In the process, he has faced criticism from all angles. It would have made a stronger statement if he had swiftly moved any or all of these players upon his arrival. However, he has chosen to wait for the opportune moment, understanding the importance of both producing results and implementing change.

The way events unfolded sparked differing opinions. "I don't believe it was well-managed," expressed former captain Roy Keane regarding the Ronaldo situation. Rio Ferdinand, another former captain, expressed disappointment in the club's handling of De Gea's departure.

Naturally, there will also be understanding towards Maguire's loss of the captaincy. However, Ten Hag should be commended for skillfully navigating this situation.

He has been ruthless but he has been patient. Those two qualities are far from synonymous but the pace of change feels well judged.

Doing it quicker would have been risky.

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Slowing down would have compromised his principles. Although none of these players aligned well with his vision, they were the highest earners at the club. Among them was the captain, while the remaining individuals were esteemed United legends, both having won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award more times than any others.

His approach with Ronaldo set the tone.

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Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo clashed during their time together at Old Trafford

The experienced forward lacked both the willingness and ability to carry out Ten Hag's preferred style, which emphasized pressing. The Dutch coach would have known from the start that a conflict was likely.

Despite this, Ten Hag did not show any signs of this conflict outwardly. Initially, he expressed excitement about working with the veteran forward, stating that Cristiano was not available for transfer and was part of the team's plans for success. He further remarked that they were pleased with him and believed he could adapt to any system or style.

He did not. Ten Hag was undoubtedly aware, but Ronaldo was gently guided towards the exit instead of being forcefully pushed. Prior to his last game for the club, the Portuguese had actually been a starter in nine out of the preceding 13 games. Ronaldo was still furious, while others were less affected.

De Gea's departure has been less contentious, but the trend has followed a familiar pattern. "I am extremely pleased with David, he is an excellent goalkeeper. At just 31 years old, he is in great shape and has the potential for further improvement. He has already shown his impressive skills for Man United and will continue to do so in the future."

Despite De Gea's struggles in adjusting to the new demands, comments regarding his position as the team's number one goalkeeper persisted even in November. Although Ten Hag acknowledged the challenges De Gea faced, he kept reiterating that the goalkeeper would remain with the team, albeit with a subtle change in language. "I won't guarantee he will always hold the top spot," Ten Hag implicitly stated. Acknowledging the complexities involved, Ten Hag acknowledged that altering the goalkeeper position immediately was not a priority, as other pressing matters required attention.

De Gea's performance was sufficient to secure victories. However, the coach was mindful of Andre Onana being a more suitable choice due to his exceptional ball-handling abilities, which are crucial for implementing Ten Hag's desired build-up game. This was an opportune moment to make a change.

Similar caution was required with Maguire. Instantly removing his captaincy would have been inflammatory. Now, it can be regarded as a pragmatic decision, based on his diminishing significance and potential placement as United's fourth or fifth choice centre-back.

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Maguire's dominance on the defensive end is undeniable, but he often faces difficulties in swiftly distributing the ball and his lack of speed becomes evident when attempting to adopt a more offensive position. Additionally, his manager's requirement for a left-footed player on the left side of the defense posed a challenge for him.

Once again, Ten Hag's statement can be interpreted in multiple ways. "I can say that I am satisfied with his presence and he fulfilled his duties when needed," he remarked at the conclusion of the previous season. However, the decision ultimately lies with Maguire himself. This uncomfortable situation is now coming to an end.

The next step could be the most interesting.

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Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes with Erik ten Hag and the Carabao Cup trophy

Ten Hag had to accomplish all of this while obtaining the necessary results to gain the trust and support of both the players and the fans, persuading them that progress was indeed being made. As a result, the club's six-year trophy drought finally came to an end and they successfully secured qualification for the Champions League.

Now, the current United team clearly bears a stronger resemblance to a product of Ten Hag's own design. Onana is the third player from his previous Ajax team to join him at Old Trafford, accompanied by two additional former Eredivisie players. It is undeniable that his impact on player recruitment is significant.

The legacy of Erik ten Hag will be determined by what comes next.