Ten Hag's 4 reasons why Fernandes will replace Maguire as Man Utd captain

16 July 2023 , 16:41

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Ten Hag's 4 reasons why Fernandes will replace Maguire as Man Utd captain

Erik ten Hag has already detailed why Bruno Fernandes is the perfect leader for Manchester United after Harry Maguire was stripped of the captaincy.

The decision to remove Maguire as captain was no huge surprise – the England international featured in just 16 Premier League matches last season and started only in eight despite being fit for the entirety of the campaign. Under Ten Hag, he had fallen down the pecking order.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez had established themselves as the preferred central defensive partnership, with Victor Lindelof and left-back Luke Shaw also selected in the position ahead of Maguire, whose future at Old Trafford is now under question.

In a statement on social media, Maguire said: "After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt."

There are no shortage of candidates to succeed Maguire as captain – defenders Martinez, Varane and Shaw are all potential leaders, as well as the world class holding midfielder Casemiro. However, it is the talismanic Fernandes who is tipped to be named as the new club captain.

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The Portugal international has starred for the Red Devils since his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020 and, with Maguire not on the pitch for the majority of matches last season, Ten Hag handed the captain’s armband to the playmaker.

Maguire did not feature in Ten Hag's preferred starting line-up (Getty Images)

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Ten Hag previously talked up Fernandes, citing him as the team's skipper when Maguire officially still held that role. He told MUTV: "Of course he's ready, it's Bruno Fernandes. He's tough, he takes responsibility, he wants to play and, of course, we're happy he's there because he's a big players for us and he makes a big impact in every game. He's our captain, so we're really happy."

Fernandes is vocal on the pitch and is a high-octane player, whose style also has attracted criticism in the past as he is not shy to let teammates and officials know what he thinks. However, he cannot be accused of a lack of passion or leadership.

"Sometimes I go over the line," he told Sky Sports. "I know that. It can happen in the game and it is difficult to control emotions. But I never try to be disrespectful with anyone. We are all competitive and we all want to win. The way I play and feel the game, the passion I feel for it, is how I feel better and how I give the most for my team and to my club. That's why I play in that way."

Fernandes is a virtual ever-present for the Red Devils. He played more first-team minutes than any other footballer in Europe last season, starting in 58 matches across all competitions for Ten Hag’s side – with his stamina and engine unmatched.

Colin Millar