Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has decided the next player to wear the captain’s armband for the Red Devils: Bruno Fernandes.
“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,” the club’s official statement said.
“… As captain, the two-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year will continue to drive to the highest standards through the squad as United push for success in 2023-24 and beyond.”
Fernandes takes the permanent leadership duties from Harry Maguire, who saw limited appearances under ten Hag and has been the target of some transfer rumors.
The Portuguese midfielder turns 29 in September and joined United in January 2020 from Sporting CP. So far at Old Trafford he’s scored 44 goals and assisted on 33 more in 124 Premier League matches, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League in three of four seasons.
In April 2022, Fernandes and United agreed to a contract extension through 2026 with an option for 2027.
Fernandes’ task now is not simply to produce statistically, but also usher United back to their heights of the early 2000s.
Despite consistently finishing in the top-four of the Premier League and competing in the UEFA Champions League, Manchester United fans are experiencing a title drought in both competitions. They haven’t won the EPL since 2013 and the retirement of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and have gone since 2008 without a Champions League title.
Worse still, they’ve witnessed the meteoric ascent of cross-town rivals Manchester City, who have won the EPL in five of the last six seasons and six times since United’s last title.
Both fans and ten Hag will hope the leadership of a Fernandes, who has played in many leagues and competitions across Europe, will be step back toward glory.
Manchester United opens the Premier League campaign on Aug. 14 against Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
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