LEADING ROLE Man Utd confirm Harry Maguire’s permanent replacement as captain after England man stripped of armband

BRUNO FERNANDES has been confirmed as Manchester United's new captain.

Posted Friday, July 21, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk

The Portugal star was selected by Erik ten Hag just days after Harry Maguire was stripped of the armband.

LEADING ROLE Man Utd confirm Harry Maguire’s permanent replacement as captain after England man stripped of armband
Bruno Fernandes is the new Man United captain Credit: Getty

LEADING ROLE Man Utd confirm Harry Maguire’s permanent replacement as captain after England man stripped of armband
Harry Maguire was stripped of the armband by Erik ten Hag Credit: AP

Fernandes, who has been at United for three-and-a-half years, could lead his side out in Saturday's friendly against Arsenal.

The 28-year-old captained the Red Devils for parts of last season after Maguire was relegated to the bench.

But he now has the coveted armband on a permanent basis after Ten Hag decided to take it off centre-back Maguire.

The former skipper, 30, was made team leader during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign.

And Maguire revealed he was "extremely disappointed" to lose the captaincy in an emotional statement at the weekend.

The England defender started just eight league games last term.

Minutes could be even harder to come by this season, with even left-back Luke Shaw preferred in Maguire's position.

And SunSport understands the former Leicester star is ready to quit Old Trafford for action elsewhere.

United have already rejected a loan offer from West Ham.

And Chelsea have been linked after losing Wesley Fofana to an ACL injury.

However, the Blues could instead move for their former academy star Marc Guehi, now a full England international with Crystal Palace and a direct rival with Maguire for a spot at next year's Euros.