Bruno Fernandes Named Manchester United Captain After Harry Maguire Axed
Manchester United have announced that Bruno Fernandes has been named the new captain of the club after Erik ten Hag stripped Harry Maguire of the armband over the weekend.
The England international had effectively become the club’s fifth-choice centre-back after dramatically falling down the pecking order, and released a statement on Sunday saying that Ten Hag had informed him he was changing captains.
United later released a statement thanking Maguire for his service and confirming that Ten Hag would announce a new captain ‘in due course’ after informing the squad.
Now the club have confirmed that Fernandes has been picked as Maguire’s successor, with the 28-year-old the natural choice given how often he skippered the team last season.
Fernandes Was Already United’s De Facto Captain
Fernandes had already been the de facto captain at United given Maguire’s limited role and wore the armband in 26 of the side’s 38 Premier League matches last season plus a further 16 times in cup competitions.
Maguire, meanwhile, is said to be ‘angry, shocked and upset’ about the decision to remove him as captain and is now expected to push for a summer exit, having previously wanted to fight for his place.
Maguire’s Statement On Being Stripped Of The Captaincy
In his statement on Sunday, the defender 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.
‘So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband.
‘Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date.
‘It’s one of the greatest honours in club football. I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful – on and off the field.
‘I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.’
Maguire’s Limited Role Last Season
Maguire started just eight Premier League games last season having lost his place in the team with Ten Hag preferring Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his centre-back pairing.
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