Erik ten Hag explains why he selected Bruno Fernandes as new Man Utd captain

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Erik ten Hag explains why he selected Bruno Fernandes as new Man Utd captain

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained his choice to replace Harry Maguire as club captain with Bruno Fernandes.

Maguire confirmed in a statement last Sunday that he was being relieved of the armband, while 90min later reported that he had been informed by Ten Hag that he could leave the club altogether. Chelsea gave consideration over a move after Wesley Fofana sustained an ACL injury.

United announced on Thursday that Fernandes would be promoted from his role as vice-captain and take on the armband full-time.

Speaking to club channels, Ten Hag has now revealed why Fernandes has been entrusted to become his new skipper.

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

"So he is the mirror for many players and he is a good social connector. He is also very good in game understanding. So for a manager, it's very good to have that integrated on the pitch. They are some reasons.

"But he can't do it alone. We need more, we need more leaders to have the strong bond who can point the team, who give [for] the team and send them in the right direction."

Ten Hag referenced Fernandes needing to be supported in his role by his teammates, and the Manchester Evening News report that the Portugal midfielder will form part of a six-player leadership group.

The other players in that group will be Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane and Tom Heaton.