Erik ten Hag Explains Bruno Fernandes’ Captaincy After Stripping Harry Maguire

• Bruno Fernandes has been confirmed as the new Manchester United captain
• The Portuguese midfielder replaces Harry Maguire, who was removed earlier in the week
• Head coach, Erik ten Hag has justified his decision to select Fernandes as the new skipper

Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to select Bruno Fernandes as the club's new captain after stripping former captain, Harry Maguire.

Maguire faces an uncertain future at the club after spending most of last season on the bench after he fell behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order.

He was stripped of the captaincy on Sunday, and days later, Fernandes was handpicked by the manager, who had earlier confirmed he would select and not allow the players to vote.

Ten Hag explains Bruno's captaincy

The Dutch tactician has pointed out the key attributes he sees in the Portuguese midfielder that made him fit to be skipper of one of English football's greatest clubs.

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"I chose Bruno because he is a great inspiration. He is an example. He always wants to be a better football player, working very hard to give his maximum performance," he told MUTV.

"He is the mirror for many players, and he is a good social connector. He is also very good at game understanding. So, for a manager, it's very good to have that intermediary on the pitch."

"Those are some reasons, but he can't do it alone. We need more help. We need more leaders to have a strong bond and who can point a team in the right direction," he added.

He also had words for former captain Maguire whom he wants to stay and fight for his place at the club despite his ordeal last season on the bench and ousting from the leadership group.

TalkSPORT reported that the 29-year-old had expressed his desire to remain at the club on multiple occasions amid interest from other Premier League clubs.

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Maguire reacts to losing captaincy

Sports Brief also reported that Maguire expressed his disappointment after he lost the armband, as stated in a statement on his social media before the club confirmed it officially.

The England defender claimed the decision was reached after a conversation with the manager. However, he promised to help the club on and off the pitch regardless of the situation.