17 July 2023 , 05:00
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Sir Alex Ferguson has already advised Erik ten Hag on the qualities needed to be Manchester United captain after Harry Maguire was stripped of the armband.
The decision to remove Maguire as captain was no huge surprise – the England international featured in just 16 Premier League matches last season and started only in eight despite being fit for the entirety of the campaign. Under Ten Hag, he had fallen down the pecking order.
Bruno Fernandes is the strong favourite to be named as the next United captain, having skippered the side frequently in Maguire’s absence last term. Although there is no shortage of other suitable contenders in Ten Hag’s squad.
Central defensive duo Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez – who both helped to oust Maguire out of the starting line-up due to their impressive form together – alongside Luke Shaw, who was also preferred in the middle to Maguire. Holding midfielder Casemiro is another contender.
Ferguson had a number of impressive captains during his trophy-laden tenure. Roy Keane perhaps the most memorable whilst the likes of Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce and Gary Neville also led the team. However, it was inspirational midfielder Bryan Robson though who stood out above the rest for the Scot.
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Speaking in 2021 he said: “The players loved him. They responded to him and he was the longest-serving captain in my time anyway. It’s difficult for a captain because sometimes he has to tell the truth to players, you know? The encouragement he’s got to give them sometimes can be quite volatile and he was like that, but the players did love him.
Maguire did not feature in Ten Hag's preferred starting line-up (Getty Images)Have Your Say! Who should the next Man Utd captain be ? Tell us what you think here.
“They appreciated the time he took on them and another thing, he’s the only captain I knew who could make a decision on the pitch. He didn’t need to look over to me. He would do that and that’s unusual. In fact it’s very unusual because he had the balls to do that.”
In a statement on social media, Maguire 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."
Ten Hag previously talked up Fernandes, citing him as the team's skipper when Maguire officially still held that role. He told MUTV: "Of course he's ready, it's Bruno Fernandes. He's tough, he takes responsibility, he wants to play and, of course, we're happy he's there because he's a big players for us and he makes a big impact in every game. He's our captain, so we're really happy."