The Portuguese midfielder routinely wore the armband las season (Pictures: Getty)
Bruno Fernandes is set to be confirmed as the new captain of Manchester United after Erik ten Hag decided to strip Harry Maguire of the armband.
The centre-back, who has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford since the Dutch coach took charge, announced on Sunday that he has been relieved of his duties as skipper.
United later released a statement thanking Maguire for his service and confirming that Ten Hag would announce a new captain ‘in due course’ after he has informed the squad.
Now Portuguese newspaper A Bola are reporting that Ten Hag has already decided his next skipper, with Fernandes set to inherit the armband.
The 28-year-old is already part of the leadership group at Old Trafford and a very vocal presence in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.
With Maguire effectively demoted to fifth-choice centre-back last season, Fernandes was already the de facto captain and wore the armband in 26 of United’s 38 Premier League matches.
Maguire is said to be ‘angry, shocked and upset’ about the decision to remove him as captain and will now push for a summer exit, having previously wanted to fight for his place.
Fernandes captained United more often than Maguire last season (Picture: Getty)
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.
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‘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 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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He regularly wore the armband last season.
