Erik ten Hag to ‘decide on Manchester United leadership group’ after Bruno Fernandes replaced Harry Maguire as captain

  • A four member group was in place in Ten Hag’s first season as Man United boss
  • David de Gea left the club while Harry Maguire was stripped of the captaincy 
  • Goalkeeper Tom Heaton confirmed the squad are awaiting Ten Hag’s new group 

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to decide on a leadership group for the upcoming season, after taking the decision to name Bruno Fernandes as captain.

Fernandes was confirmed as the Red Devils new captain last week, after Harry Maguire revealed he had been stripped of the armband.

The Portuguese international had become United’s de facto captain last season when Maguire lost his place in the team for long periods.

Fernandes led the team on 45 occasions, with the midfielder making 37 starts in the Premier League compared to Maguire’s nine.

Both Fernandes and Maguire had formed part of Man United’s leadership group last season, alongside club veteran David de Gea and back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Bruno Fernandes was appointed as Man United captain last week by manager Erik ten Hag

Bruno Fernandes was appointed as Man United captain last week by manager Erik ten Hag

Harry Maguire had been stripped of the armband but may still feature in the leadership group

Harry Maguire had been stripped of the armband but may still feature in the leadership group

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton confirmed the squad are waiting for Ten Hag to decide the new group

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton confirmed the squad are waiting for Ten Hag to decide the new group

De Gea left the club after 12 years earlier this month following the expiration of his contract at the end of June.

Heaton has confirmed that the Man United squad are waiting for Ten Hag to put together the leadership group ahead of the new campaign.

‘No not yet, it’s still quite early. There has been a change of captaincy as well but I’m sure it will get sorted at some point,’ Heaton said, as reported by the Telegraph.

‘This club sets the highest possible standards and you look to the leadership group to set those standards really. 

‘I was part of that last season and I would hope to be going forward as well. The manager put it together really. He organises that.

‘We have got plenty of leaders in our dressing room and get together if things need addressing or sorting or talking to the manager.’

Casemiro could be among the contenders to be added to the leadership group, after the former Real Madrid player captained Man United when Fernandes was substituted in their pre-season friendly win over Arsenal.

Maguire’s position in the group could be uncertain, with the defender continuing to be linked with moves away from the club after losing his place in the side.

Ten Hag will decide the leadership group to support Fernandes ahead of the new season

Ten Hag will decide the leadership group to support Fernandes ahead of the new season

David de Gea was part of the leadership group last season before his departure from the club

David de Gea was part of the leadership group last season before his departure from the club

Midfielder Casemiro could be a contenders to be included in the new group formed by Ten Hag

Midfielder Casemiro could be a contenders to be included in the new group formed by Ten Hag

United will listen to offers for Maguire this summer but are not actively trying to sell him.

Ten Hag believes the player can focus on his game now he isn’t burdened by the captaincy, and challenged Maguire to fight Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof for a place.

‘I think everyone can understand that for a player it’s a disappointment but it can work out very good for the team and for Harry,’ Ten Hag said last week.

‘He’s an important player. We need four centre backs minimum. You have seen last season we played so many games and we are really pleased to have Harry in our squad.

‘He has potential and it’s up to him to get his position. Now we can focus more on his role.’

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Post source: Daily mail

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