The captaincy of Manchester United has been permanently transferred from Harry Maguire to Bruno Fernandes by manager Erik Ten Hag.
Nearly three years ago, Bruno Fernandes played against Paris Saint-Germain while first donning the armband. Fernandes was startled and his eyebrow arched when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer announced his promotion.
The only time Fernandes showed signs of trepidation over the honor was then. He has served as Manchester United’s de facto captain for almost a year and played a key role in their comeback.
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In 2022–23, Fernandes led United in 42 of the possible 62 games, including both domestic cup finals.
For Harry Maguire, the match was over long before his brief appearance in the League Cup final at Wembley to ensure he had his uniform ready for the trophy presentation.
Fernandes, 27, also led United out for Ten Hag’s inaugural game as manager in the rout of Liverpool in the preseason friendly in Bangkok last July. They held the Bangkok Century Cup together sheepishly, and a bond was quickly created.
Fernandes was a foregone conclusion. With the exception of a misstep at Anfield, where he quarreled with club personnel over a substitution, grew frustrated with a linesman, and downed tools during a 7-0 thrashing, he led United admirably last season.
Otherwise, Fernandes played three different roles that contributed to United’s comeback. Everywhere he played, he frequently made an impact and consistently delivered at a high level. In contrast to Solskjaer, Fernandes’s goals and assists did not overshadow his performance as a whole.
According to United officials, Fernandes has distinguished himself as a leader since joining the team in January 2020. He asked to go out onto the training pitch after signing his paperwork and posing for unveiling photos on his first day at Carrington so he could be as ready as possible for his debut against Wolves two days later.
According to sources, Fernandes possesses “inspirational qualities” both on the field and in the locker room.
Ten Hag appreciates Fernandes’s in-game reasoning and interpersonal abilities. Prior to the January Manchester derby, Fernandes was chosen by United’s communications team to speak with me.
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Although Fernandes is a demanding teammate, Ten Hag can relate to that mindset as he works to instill high standards at United.
Although Fernandes is now recognized as United’s captain, club officials have emphasized that a coterie of leaders still make up the team.
While Casemiro’s opinion is highly regarded and the homegrown contingent of Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, and veteran Tom Heaton served in the leadership group Ten Hag frequently consulted last season, Raphael Varane captained United in their first two preseason games against Leeds and Lyon.
Man United anticipates that now that Fernandes’ appointment has been made official, they will continue to back him.
