Harry Maguire is set to retain the Manchester United captaincy despite being found guilty in a Greek court of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery.
The defender, 27, has held extensive talks with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the club are unequivocally backing him.
United are convinced of Maguire’s version of events, which England manager Gareth Southgate revealed on Tuesday differ significantly from what has been reported and what was alleged in court.
Maguire maintains his innocence and announced that his legal team would appeal the decision straight after the verdict on Tuesday afternoon.
“Following the hearing today, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing,” he said in a statement. “I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family and friends are the victims.”
Southgate had earlier in the day supported the player, citing his exceptional character, calling him up for his latest England squad and explaining that he, too, had been convinced by Maguire’s version of what happened after speaking with him.
But Southgate later reversed the decision following the court ruling and withdrew the player.
Manchester United, however, are fully backing Maguire and believe that keeping him as their captaincy underlines that position.
Manchester United said in a statement on Tuesday: “Manchester United notes the verdict of the Greek court today. Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.
“It should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defence team a minimal time to digest them and prepare. A request for the case to be adjourned was subsequently denied.
“On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date.”
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