Bruno Fernandes has just been named the new Manchester United captain, but Erik ten Hag has eyed five other players that hold leadership roles in the squad.
The Red Devils confirmed this afternoon that the Portugal midfielder would succeed Harry Maguire as club captain from the 2023/2024 season – a decision which many supporters predicted.
Last term, Fernandes donned the armband significantly more than Maguire due to the latter’s lack of game time, so it only made sense that he filled the position permanently.
For Maguire, he was perhaps given the responsibility too early. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had given him the esteemed role just six months into his United career and after becoming the most expensive defender in world football – two titles that have seemingly been detrimental to the defender with the pressure it added.
His future at Old Trafford now remains uncertain and unclear; whether he’ll stay and fight for his place or opt for a new venture elsewhere remains to be seen.
Ten Hag’s leadership quintet
Ten Hag has passed the responsibility onto other squad members now too. According to Manchester Evening News, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Tom Heaton all form a “coterie of leaders” that Ten Hag will consult and “expect to support Bruno”.
