Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, according to sources, declined the captaincy of Manchester United.
The pair turned down the post after being given it by their former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for various reasons.
This week, Solskjaer admitted he was “disappointed” when two players declined to wear the armband in a no-holds-barred interview.
He would not, however, name names.
A source has now revealed: “Paul Pogba was offered it but declined it because he wanted to leave the club.
“Rashford was also asked to take the captaincy but said he didn’t think he was ready for it.”
Earlier this week, Solskjaer discussed the players he believes contributed to the collapse of his Old Trafford tenure in November 2021.
Some weren’t as good as their own impression of themselves, according to the Norwegian, who wants to return to management.
“I won’t mention any names, but I was shocked when a couple declined the position of captain.
Those who claimed they wouldn’t play or exercise because they intended to force their way out disappointed me as well.
Prior to receiving a permanent job offer at Old Trafford in March 2019, Solskjaer assumed leadership as the stadium’s caretaker in December 2018.
Captain at the time was Antonio Valencia.
After the Ecuadorian left the team at the conclusion of the 2018–19 campaign, England full-back Ashley Young assumed the armband.
But Young left just six months later to join Inter Milan, and Harry Maguire was named captain by Solskjaer.