In a surprising announcement last Sunday, Harry Maguire disclosed that he would no longer be leading Manchester United as their captain, leaving fans and pundits speculating about the reasons behind the decision.
The alteration in leadership for the upcoming 2023-24 season was made by head coach Erik ten Hag, who seems to be looking for a fresh start and new dynamics within the squad.
Maguire’s captaincy came under scrutiny as he started only eight Premier League matches for the Red Devils in the previous season. With rumors circulating that he might depart Old Trafford during the current summer’s transfer window in search of more consistent playing time, the decision to remove him from the captaincy role has added fuel to the transfer speculations.
In an official statement released on Manchester United’s website, the club expressed gratitude towards Maguire for his contributions as captain over the past three and a half years. However, the identity of the new captain remains undisclosed at this stage, with the manager yet to inform the players before making the public announcement.
Sports Weez, with keen interest, identifies three prominent players who are believed to be strong contenders for the coveted captaincy role at the club.
The first name that springs to mind is Bruno Fernandes. Having already stepped in as captain during Maguire’s absence in the previous season, the 28-year-old Portuguese midfielder is the front-runner for the permanent captaincy position.
Since joining Manchester United in January 2020, Fernandes has been a standout performer, amassing 185 appearances and impressively contributing with 64 goals and 54 assists across all competitions. His leadership qualities are evident from his captaincy stint at Sporting Lisbon before making the move to England.
Raphael Varane
Another compelling option for the captaincy role is Raphael Varane. The French center-back, with a wealth of experience and accolades from his time at Real Madrid, including four Champions League titles and a World Cup triumph with France, displayed glimpses of his immense quality during the previous season with Manchester United.
Despite some injury setbacks, Varane has proven to be a valuable asset to the team, and his recent captaincy in a summer friendly indicates Ten Hag’s consideration for a more permanent role.
Casemiro
One cannot overlook the impact of Casemiro since his arrival from Real Madrid last summer. The Brazilian midfielder made an immediate impression during his debut season with the Red Devils, featuring in 51 games and showcasing his skills with seven goals and six assists.
His leadership abilities have already been recognized, as he was appointed captain of the Brazilian national team earlier this year. This achievement adds to his credentials as a potential candidate for the captaincy at Manchester United.
While Fernandes appears to be the leading contender, Varane and Casemiro cannot be discounted, considering their vast experience and leadership qualities. Additionally, special mentions must be made for Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez, who could also be considered for the captaincy role.
As the new season approaches, all eyes are on Ten Hag and the impending announcement to see who will be entrusted with the responsibility of captaining one of the most decorated clubs in English football history.
The decision will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the team’s dynamics and performance on and off the pitch. Fans eagerly await the official confirmation and are excited to witness the fresh era of leadership at Manchester United.