Bruno Fernandes is favourite to become Manchester United’s next captain (Getty)
Bruno Fernandes is the favourite to replace Harry Maguire as Manchester United captain ahead of the new Premier League season, according to the bookmakers.
Maguire delivered the surprise announcement on Sunday that he would no longer wear the United armband following a meeting with manager Erik ten Hag.
Maguire says he is ‘extremely disappointed’ with the decision having lost his place in United’s team last season with Ten Hag preferring Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his centre-back pairing.
United have confirmed that an announcement over Maguire’s successor will be announced ‘in due course’.
Fernandes, who captained United frequently in Maguire’s absence last season, is the odds-on 1/2 to replace Maguire as skipper.
Harry Maguire says he is ‘extremely disappointed’ with Erik ten Hag’s decision to replace him as Manchester United captain (Getty)
Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, is second favourite behind Fernandes at 7/2.
Marcus Rashford also deputised as captain last season and is 5/1 to take on the armband permanently next season, while Lisandro Martinez at 12/1.
Raphael Varane at 16/1 and Scott McTominay at 25/1 are both outsiders to take the captaincy.
NEXT MAN UTD CAPTAIN ODDS
Bruno Fernandes 1/2
Casemiro 7/2
Marcus Rashford 5/1
Lisandro Martinez 12/1
Raphael Varane 16/1
Scott McTominay 25/1
Odds via BonusCodeBets
In a statement released by Maguire 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.’
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Erik ten Hag has stripped Maguire of the United captaincy.
