Rashford suggests he wants Man Utd captaincy despite Bruno Fernandes decision
Marcus Rashford is confident that he'd "step into" the role of being Manchester United captain, indicating that he wants to succeed Bruno Fernandes.
Manager Erik ten Hag recently handed Portuguese midfielder Fernandes the armband on a permanent basis following his decision to strip defender Harry Maguire of the responsibility after three-and-a-half rollercoaster years. Although Ten Hag's call was no surprise because Fernandes had captained the side for the vast majority of the 2022-23 campaign while Maguire was rooted to the bench, Rashford had been an outside shout to be given the honour.
Ultimately not selected, the United star remains keen on the role, having been asked by ex-Red Devils skipper Gary Neville during an interview on the Overlap whether he'd want to become captain of his boyhood club. "Yeah," Rashford replied. "I don't actively think about it but I feel like if the opportunity came, I would step into it."
Rashford, 25, has captained United on numerous occasions since he spectacularly broke into the first team seven years ago. The England international last week signed a new five-year contract which keeps him at Old Trafford until 2028.
For now, though, Fernandes will lead the Red Devils out and started his permanent captaincy with a bang by scoring against Arsenal in United's 2-0 friendly win while on their pre-season tour of the USA. Discussing the responsibility, the 28-year-old declared: "Obviously, it's a great honour."
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"The first time was in the Champions League against PSG. I was a little bit surprised by Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], but obviously, I said to him at the time it's just such an honour for me. I still have the armband and the shirt from that game, because I wanted to keep it for me, because this is something that is not for everyone."
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Bruno Fernandes has been named the new captain of Manchester United (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Manchester-born Marcus Rashford is keen to wear the armband for his boyhood club (The Overlap)"And it's something that has to make you proud, has to make you understand that you are in a place where everyone would like to be: playing for Manchester United. Having the chance to have the armband and having that responsibility is such a big honour."
Ten Hag explained his decision by saying: "Why Bruno? He's an inspirational leader, a lot of game understanding, a high standing in the team, he has a social connector, that's why."
Following the Red Devils' 7-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool in March, Rashford backed Fernandes amid criticism of his team-mate's behaviour and attitude during the humiliating loss. "I love playing with Bruno," he vowed, shortly after Ten Hag had said that Fernandes was "definitely" captain material.
"For a forward like me, he is the perfect player to play with. He has been a good leader for us, even when he is not a captain, which is always a good sign."
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