It's not the armband that makes a good captain – it's the force of personality.
Does it matter who is captain of Manchester United? Frankly, the next few weeks are so massive for United that yes – it is going to be important for them to have unbreakable leadership on the pitch.
Although Harry Maguire denies that there is any power struggle with Cristiano Ronaldo over the armband, one thing is undeniable: United are facing a massive month to keep their season alive.
On Wednesday, they have a huge Champions League tie in Spain against Atletico Madrid, who have also been way off the pace this year.
And in March, the Manchester derby and trip to Anfield could have a decisive influence on United's chances of a top-four finish.
Have Your Say! Should Maguire or Ronaldo be Man Utd captain? Tell us your pick here.
To come out on the right side of that daunting schedule, they will need strong, forceful leadership – from interim manager Ralf Rangnick to his senior players on the park.
Look at all of United's successful teams under Sir Alex Ferguson and their captains were all big personalities: Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic. You would follow them all into the trenches.
And I know the risks of changing captaincy midway through a season. At Derby, it was a great compliment when Paul Jewell handed me the armband, and I was made captain of my fourth Premier League club, but it was awkward for Matt Oakley, who had it taken away from him.
It's a big call. But if Rangnick is concerned about Maguire's form, which has been up and down this season, then yes - I would consider making Ronaldo the skipper if he's going to play every week.
I've heard some nonsense that Ronaldo is “too big” a personality to be Manchester United captain.
Oh, really? He wasn't too big a personality when he captained Portugal to win the Euros in 2016, was he?
He's set a brilliant example to the younger players at United – always first in at the Carrington training ground, always the last to leave – so there's no question he's a leader of men.
For me, the major issue is whether Maguire is going to play every week under Rangnick.
I like Harry. He has never shirked a tackle, fronts up when things go wrong and I know he is an insightful, positive influence in the dressing room.
He was fantastic for England at Euro 2020, and although he has not been so consistent for United since then, it's not fair to hammer him.
People sneer that he's not worth the £85 million United paid for him, but Maguire did not set the fee. On top of his game, he is still a great asset.
Being captain does not make a player undroppable, and in the short term it might take some of the pressure off him if Rangnick makes Ronaldo captain in the short term.
I'm not saying if that's the right or wrong way to go about it – but managers are paid to make tough calls, and I would understand it if Rangnick goes down that road.
