Fernandes' behind-the-scenes behaviour perfectly sums up Ten Hag decision
Bruno Fernandes is the new Manchester United captain with the respect and leadership he commands in the Old Trafford dressing room clear from his attitude towards teammates.
Fernandes was named the new United captain earlier this month to succeed Harry Maguire in the role. Maguire had worn the armband since 2020, replacing Ashley Young when the England international joined Inter Milan.
Erik ten Hag maintained Maguire is still in his plans despite falling down the pecking order last season. The choice of Fernandes to assume the armband was of little surprise, with the Portuguese skippering the side in Maguire’s frequent absences last term.
The influence and leadership of the playmaker has now been outlined by Alvaro Fernandez, the 20-year-old Spanish left-back who has been involved in United’s pre-season. The left-back spent last season on loan at Preston, where he made 42 appearances.
Fernandez moved to United three years ago from Real Madrid's youth system, and he struck up a close friendship with Alejandro Garnacho – who joined the club from Atletico Madrid the same summer.
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Now aged 20, Fernandez has detailed how Fernandes has helped the two youngsters integrate into the club and United’s squad. With no Spanish players involved in the first-team squad following David de Gea’s summer exit, it is Fernandes who has helped them feel at home.
Fernandez has featured for United in pre-season (PA) Have Your Say! Was Fernandes the best choice to be Man Utd captain ? Tell us what you think here.
Speaking to Diario AS, Fernandez explained: “Bruno, I would tell you that with me, Bruno. Now that Juan (Mata) and David (De Gea) have left, Bruno treats Garnacho and me really well.” He then added: “Bruno has, let's say, more power. He is a very nice guy.”
The captaincy at Old Trafford is a symbolic gesture and the change is likely to impact Maguire’s own future. Fernandes has explained how he spoke to the central defender and rejected suggestions that there is any fallout from the switch.
"He gave me congratulations and he said he is really happy for me," Fernandes said. The Portugal international wore the armband on Saturday for a pre-season friendly against Arsenal, with United winning 2-0 in the United States.
"I understand his position is not the best at the moment. It has to be difficult for him but he came and said congratulations to me and I am happy about that because we have always had a good relationship.
"Everyone already knew about the situation with H [Maguire] but no one knew who would be the next captain. So [Ten Hag broke the news] in a team meeting with everyone together because it’s something we have to do more often, to keep the things inside and give the compliments inside to ourselves."
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