Bruno Fernandes is CONFIRMED as Man United’s new first-team captain after Harry Maguire was stripped of the role by Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will be appointed as the club’s first-team captain.

On Sunday, England international Harry Maguire revealed via a post on social media that he had been stripped of the role as United captain by boss Erik ten Hag.

There had been expectations that ten Hag would turn to his Portuguese playmaker to be Maguire’s successor, which was confirmed on Thursday. 

A club statement read: ‘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.’ 

Manchester United have confirmed that Bruno Fernandes (left) will be appointed club captain after Harry Maguire (right) was stripped of the armband on Sunday

Maguire revealed that he held talks with United boss Erik ten Hag (middle) over the captaincy 

Fernandes made 37 appearances in the top-flight last season and wore the armband on 26 occasions – plus a number of times in other competitions. 

Maguire, meanwhile, lost his place in the team after Man United’s dismal 4-0 defeat to Brentford last August which resulted in his Portuguese team-mate Fernandes leading out the side for the remainder of the year.

The ex-Leicester City defender started just eight games in the Premier League last season, having been ever present before Ten Hag’s arrival. 

The England international took to Twitter on Sunday to confirm the Erik ten Hag’s decision, highlighting his regret while pledging his support for the next skipper.

‘After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain,’ he wrote.

‘He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt. 

‘So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband.’

Maguire remains determined to regain his first team place but he is among a number of targets being considered by West Ham following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105million.

After Maguire was stripped of the captaincy, United legend Rio Ferdinand urged the central defender to find an exit from Old Trafford this summer. 

Club legend Ferdinand told TNT Sports: Erik ten Hag has a particular way of playing. He has to choose players that suit his style of football, and Harry Maguire does not fit the bill.

The defender took to Twitter to announce that he would no longer be serving as club captain

Maguire has been subject of a bid from West Ham United, which was rejected by the Red Devils

‘He brought in Martinez and Varane to fit his philosophy and those will be his first-choice centre-backs next season. 

‘It will have been really difficult for Maguire, after playing so well for England (at the 2022 World Cup), coming back to Manchester United to be a substitute.

‘That must have been mentally very hard to deal with. The question now is, what does he want to do? Does he want to be a squad player or does he want to be a starter in another team?

‘If he is happy being a squad player at Manchester United then he stays, if he doesn’t then he will go. But he will be a sub if he stays at United.’