Bruno Fernandes has been officially confirmed as the new captain of Manchester United.
As expected, the influential Portuguese midfielder has been appointed as the full-time replacement for Harry Maguire, who was stripped of the armband last week after three-and-a-half years following talks with manager Erik ten Hag.
Fernandes is certainly no stranger to captaining United, having stepped up to lead the team on many occasions last season with Maguire struggling for regular starts.
“Bruno Fernandes has been named as the new club captain of Manchester United,” the club announced on Thursday after embarking on their pre-season trip to the United States, where they face Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
“The Portuguese midfielder has already worn the armband for United on numerous occasions and Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he will now lead the team on a permanent basis.
“Fernandes has scored 64 goals and contributed 54 assists in just 185 games for the club since joining in 2020.
“As captain, the two-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year will continue to drive the highest standards throughout the squad as United push for success in the 2023/24 season and beyond.”
Maguire had captained United since being named by then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the successor to the departing Ashley Young back in January 2020.
Introducing our new club captain: @B_Fernandes8 💪©️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 20, 2023
However, he fell out of favour during Ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford and has been strongly linked with a summer exit amid interest from the likes of West Ham.
The England defender took to social media last weekend to reveal his “extreme disappointment” at having the captaincy removed.
“After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain,” Maguire wrote. “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.”
