Erik ten Hag is assessing his leadership options at Manchester United amid a failed late plea to Nemanja Matic.
Harry Maguire's position as the Red Devils' skipper is under scrutiny following a disappointing campaign. The £80million signing from Leicester City's domestic form has seen any question his place for England ahead of the winter World Cup.
Ten Hag has been tasked with a major overhaul at Old Trafford, and the former Ajax boss is said to be concerned by the lack of leadership in his dressing room. The Dutchman was reportedly keen on keeping Nemanja Matic at the club for a further season due to the former Chelsea midfielder's 'good influence' behind the scenes, according to The Athletic.
However, the former Serbian international instead opted to reunite with Jose Mourinho for a third time. Matic has agreed a one-year deal at AS Roma, bringing to an end a five-year stint at Old Trafford having made 188 appearances.
The news of a late approach to Matic highlights the leadership conundrum Ten Hag is now facing at his new club. It is a situation undoubtedly compounded by the Cristiano Ronaldo saga, with the veteran forward missing the club's pre-season tour amid growing talk of a summer exit.
Maguire accidentally 'liked' a recent social media post over Ronaldo's anger at salary cuts due to United's failure to qualify for the Champions League. The 29-year-old has since apologised and insists it was done in error, but that has not stopped fans criticising the centre-back.
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Leadership groups are becoming commonplace at many of United's top-flight rivals. Regardless of whether Ten Hag decides to replace Maguire as the Red Devils captain, which first-team stars could become the new manager's dressing room lieutenants?
David de Gea
The long-serving goalkeeper has been heavily tipped to assume armband responsibilities should Ten Hag decide he wants a new captain going forward. De Gea has made almost 500 appearances for United, and was one of the few players to emerge from last season with any credit.
Bruno Fernandes
Following an explosive start to his Red Devils career, the decision to award the attacking midfielder a new long-term contract in April was questioned by some following a drop in form. However, the 27-year-old will likely still be one of the first names on Ten Hag's teamsheet, and the manager will be keen to bring the best out of the Portugal international once again.
Scott McTominay
The United academy graduate is often maligned on social media, but McTominay has now made 170 appearances since being handed his senior debut by Jose Mourinho five years ago. The Red Devils have clearly lost their identity in recent years, and it could be time for the 25-year-old to step up and help re-establish the expected standards.
Luke Shaw
Shaw was unable to replicate his scintillating Euro 2020 form for United, and now finds his place under threat following the arrival of Tyrell Malacia. The left-back must first fight to guarantee a starting spot, but he is one of the more experienced dressing room figures who could prove an asset to Ten Hag both on and off the pitch.
Raphael Varane
The World Cup and four-time Champions League winner struggled in his debut season at United. However, the former Real Madrid defender has a wealth of experience and is a logical candidate for Ten Hag, provided he can rediscover his best form and shrug off the injury concerns which dogged his first campaign in England.
