After already losing his position as captain, Harry Maguire’s anguish at Manchester United increased as the seasoned defender was passed over in favor of backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Erik Ten Hag has once again passed over Harry Maguire for the Manchester United captaincy.

After playing a more limited role in the team last season, the center-back who is currently out of favor was “tripled” of the armband last month in preparation for the upcoming campaign. He was replaced by Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes, and most supporters applauded the brave choice.

However, Ten Hag has taken his disrespect for the Englishman a step further by designating goalkeeper Tom Heaton as his captain for the preseason matchup against Athletic Club in Fernandes’ absence.

Many supporters were taken aback by the Dutchman’s severe decision considering that Heaton and Maguire both started the match in Dublin on Sunday.

Even Maguire’s fiercest detractors were shocked at the audacity of leaving him out of the vice-captain position given his background in team leadership.

Twitter users expressed their disappointment for Maguire in the following tweets: “Ain’t no way Tom Heaton is captain guy, feel so horrible for Maguire,” and “Heaton CAPTAIN. Maguire was actually demoted.

“Tom Heaton captain over Maguire,” a third person said. I adore ETH’s ruthlessness.

Harry Maguire was ᵴtriƥped of his Man Utd captaincy last month (Image: Getty Images)

Tom Heaton led Man Utd in their game against Athletic Club.(Photo via Getty Images)

“Tom Heaton getting the Captain’s armband over Harry Maguire,” several commenters added. Have to feel for the lad now,” and “Nah bro the disrespect, Ten Hag even gave the armband to Heaton over Maguire.”

Ten Hag’s team has had a rocky preseason so far. After defeating Leeds 2-0 in Oslo, Lyon traveled to Edinburgh to play them in the middle of July; Donny van de Beek scored the game’s lone goal there.