July 20, (THEWILL) – Portuguese midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, has been appointed as the new captain of Manchester United, as confirmed by the English Premier League club on Thursday.
The decision comes after manager Erik ten Hag revoked defender Harry Maguire’s captaincy due to his limited appearances in the first team. With an impressive track record of 64 goals and 54 assists in 185 games for the club in all competitions, Fernandes has previously served as captain in Maguire’s absence. United stated that ten Hag has now entrusted Fernandes with the permanent leadership role, with his ability to maintain the highest standards and lead the team towards success in the upcoming 2023/2024 season and beyond.
During a match in March, Fernandes faced criticism for his behaviour during the team’s 7-0 loss to rivals Liverpool. However, this setback has not deterred the midfielder’s progress, as United’s pre-season campaign kicked off with a 1-0 victory against Olympique Lyonnais. The team is now set to travel to the United States for friendly matches against EPL rivals Arsenal before taking on Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund in preparation for the upcoming season.
Having missed out on the UEFA Champions League in the 2021/2022 campaign, United will return to compete in the prestigious European tournament next season, aiming to reclaim their position among Europe’s top clubs. As a two-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year recipient, Fernandes assumes the captaincy role with a focus on driving the team’s performance to new heights.
With his wealth of experience and strong on-field presence, the Portuguese is poised to lead United through the challenges that lie ahead. The club is determined to excel under his leadership and make a strong impact in both domestic and European competitions.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
