Manchester United have announced Bruno Fernandes as the new captain to replace Harry Maguire.
Earlier this week we reported how Portuguese newspaper A Bola broke the news Bruno Fernandes will be the club captain.
The outlet claimed: “Bruno Fernandes is the new captain of Manchester United, after being the second option behind Harry Maguire. The decision has been made, there is no turning back.”
United have now confirmed the news that Bruno Fernandes is the new club captain.
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Bruno Fernandes club captain
Bruno Fernandes was the natural choice to be Manchester United captain, having stepped in for Harry Maguire for most of last season.
Maguire was only selected to start eight Premier League games, with Fernandes taking the armband in his absence.
His leadership qualities were frequently seen through the season, with the midfielder able to galvanise his teammates and also demonstrate his quality on the pitch.
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There were other strong candidates, Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Marcus Rashford, but Fernandes was the obvious candidate.
He lifted the Carabao Cup jointly with Maguire last season and will hope to lift more silverware next season and beyond.
Fernandes will wear the armband on Saturday night when Manchester United take on Arsenal in the US.
Manchester United signed Fernandes for an initial £47 million fee in 2020 from Sporting.
Former captain uncertainty
Former captain Harry Maguire remains at the club despite questions over his future.
He was removed as captain last week, issuing a statement: “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.”
There is strong expectation Maguire will now leave the club, with Wayne Rooney saying he cannot see a way forward for him after the decision.