Fernandes: When ten Hag Gave Hint on Maguire's Replacement as Captain of Man United

• Bruno Fernandes is to be named the new Manchester United captain to replace Harry Maguire
• Maguire has fallen down the pecking order and announced he would no longer be the skipper
• Erik ten Hag provided a strong hint about who he would choose back in February of this year

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, gave an interesting hint on who had the potential to become the club’s captain back in February.

The manager's sentiments have resurfaced after it emerged that Bruno Fernandes is set to be named the club’s new captain to replace the embattled Harry Maguire.

Over the weekend, Maguire penned an open letter to United fans, revealing he would not be rocking the armband for the 2023/24 season after a conversation with his coach.

This development comes amid uncertainty over Maguire’s future, as he has drastically fallen down the pecking order at United.

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Meanwhile, football insider, Fabrizio Romano, has revealed that 28-year-old Fernandes would be taking over as captain for next season.

It would come as little surprise, as the Portuguese midfielder has been one of the more consistent players since signing for the club in 2020.

Fernandes beats other reliable contenders for the armband including Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and academy graduate Marcus Rashford.

Ten Hag’s remarks on Fernandes

In fact, a keen follower of Manchester United will have noted that Fernandes had already impressed ten Hag with his leadership qualities earlier in the year.

The Dutch manager was full of praise for the midfielder in his comments earlier this year, dubbing him as one of the players who is adaptable to pressure.

“First, as captain, he’s an example on the pitch with the energy he puts in,” ten Hag said as quoted on Goal.com.

Ten Hag also described Fernandes as important to the team in terms of tactical approach and transition, and further called him a great example.

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“He can match and cope with the load standards that are really high and can take a lot of games - he’s a great example for everyone in the squad.”

United have already kicked off the 2023/24 preparations through the pre-season, with their first game ending in a 1-0 win over Lyon.

Maguire's wife responds to captaincy

Sports Brief also reported on Maguire’s wife reacting to her husband being stripped of the United captaincy, with a heartwarming message on social media.

Fern Hawkins has been with the defender throughout his current struggles on the pitch, having been involved with him since his days at Sheffield United.