By Victor Kanayo
Few days after Harry Maguire announced his removal, Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Bruno Fernandes is the club’s new captain.
This was disclosed via the club’s official website on Thursday evening.
Bruno Confirmation
The statement reads, “Bruno Fernandes has been named as the new club captain of Manchester United.
“The Portuguese midfielder has already worn the armband for United on numerous occasions and Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he will now lead the team on a permanent basis.
“Fernandes has scored 64 goals and contributed 54 assists in just 185 games for the club since joining in 2020.
“As captain, the two-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year will continue to drive the highest standards throughout the squad as United push for success in the 2023/24 season and beyond.”
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has been one of United’s most consistent and impressive performers since his arrival in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon.
He has scored 64 goals in 185 appearances for the club so far and helped the club to their first trophy under Ten Hag, the EFL Cup, last season.
Maguire Pull Out
Earlier in the week, former captain Harry Maguire had confirmed on his Twitter account that he had been stripped of the role by manager Erik ten Hag, with the England international linked with a move away to clubs such as Newcastle United and West Ham.
Maguire had been one of the first choice defenders since his arrival from Leicester City in 2019 under Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but fell out of favour under Ten Hag as he preferred Lisandro Martinez and Raphael as his first-choice pairing, and often gave Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof the nod ahead of the 30-year-old.
