Harry Maguire shocked Manchester United fans after announced on July 16 in a statement that he is no longer the Red Devil’s captain.
The outgoing captain stated that he held discussions with club manager Eric Ten Hag who made the decision to change the club’s captain for the 2023/2024 campaign.
He thanked the Manchester United fans for supporting him during his time as the team’s captain.
“Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date,”
“It’s one of the greatest honors in club football. I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful on and off the field,” he said.
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According to reports, Ten Hag will choose the new captain after traveling back to England from New York to play against Arsenal in a preseason friendly match.
Amongst the squad, three players standout to fill the position. Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane.
Bruno Fernandes could replace Maguire
The 28-year-old joined Manchester United in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon.
Fernandes made 185 appearances for United scoring 64 goals and providing 54 assists.
Being the vice-captain, he is favorite to wear the armband next season.
The Portuguese captained United last season in the absence of Harry Maguire.
Moreover, the midfielder wore the armband as United won the Carabao Cup against Newcastle United last season.
Fernandes captained Sporting Lisbon before joining United and has the maturity and discipline to lead United.
Fernandes still has 3 years left in his contract which is valid until June 2026.
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What about Varane?
Varane joined United in 2021 in a four-year deal valid until June 2025.
The center-back captained United in their pre-season win against Leeds United.
The French International was one of the favorable to succeed Huggo Lloris as his country’s captain.
Prior to joining United, Varane won 3 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
He also won the 2018 World Cup with France.
Varane played a key role in United’s success last season.
With his age and experience, Varane is in a good position to becomes United’s captain or Vice-captain.
Dr. Rashford for captain
Marcus Rashford was United’s target man last season.
Scoring 30 goals in all competitions, he helped United finish third, win the Carabao Cup and reach Europa league quarterfinals.
The England international scored 6 goals in both the Europa league and Carabao Cup to win the golden boot in the two competitions.
Rashford proved his commitment and leadership since graduating from United’s academy.
Further, he won United’s Player of Year Award in 2020.
With United, the 25-year-old won the Europa league in 2017 Super Cup in 2017, FA Cup in 2016 and Carabao Cup in 2023.
Compared to Casemiro and Fernandes, Rashford has been with United for a long time.
Other candidates include Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.
