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At last, Manchester United set to name a new captain
Manchester United are set to start a new life away from Harry Maguire’s era as captain.
National Daily understands that Bruno Fernandes is set to be confirmed as the Red Devils new captain.
Maguire fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford since Erik ten Hag’s arrival. It was however announced on Sunday that the defender 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.
National Daily now gathered from the claim by Portuguese newspaper A Bola 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.
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.
‘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.