‘Super player’ sends message to Man Utd fans, Harry Maguire responds

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Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay was chosen to wear the captain’s armband against Liverpool amid Bruno Fernandes’ absence.

Bruno Fernandes was suspended against Liverpool after picking up a fifth booking of the season a week earlier.

This left a question over who might wear the armband in his place, with last season’s skipper Harry Maguire ruled out with injury.

Scott McTominay was a sensible pick, and he gave a strong account of himself as Manchester United produced a spirited performance to draw 0-0 at Anfield.

Scott McTominay wears the armband

Scott McTominay was named as captain, a decision backed by former United academy player Phil Bardsley on MUTV.

Bardsley said: “He’s a super player and deserves his opportunity today. It suits him, he’s got bundles of energy.

“His performances this season have been outstanding. He knows what it means to wear the badge, knows what this fixture is all about, the perfect candidate to lead the team out today.”

McTominay lived up to that description, with a committed performance, leading by example as United’s midfield dug in, scrapped, and played a bit too.

The Scotland international sent a message out to Manchester United supporters after the game, via Instagram.

He wrote: “Tough fight, but so so proud to captain the team today. Your support in the away end kept us going.”

Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans show support

McTominay received a response to his post from teammate and former United skipper Harry Maguire, who wrote, ‘Love it bro’, in reply to his message.

Bruno Fernandes will probably be back for United’s next game, and take the armband, but it could be argued that the team’s midfield looked more balanced without him.

With the way McTominay has been deployed this season high up the pitch, playing him alongside Fernandes has asked for trouble in recent games.

Erik ten Hag had to re-think for this fixture, and it will be interesting to see how he approaches the game at West Ham on Saturday.