Erik ten Hag has told Bruno Fernandes what he expects from him as Man United captain

Bruno Fernandes is set to become Erik ten Hag’s new club captain at Manchester United after Harry Maguire revealed that he has had the armband stripped.

Maguire, 30, confirmed on his social media that after conversations with the Dutch manager, he is “extremely disappointed” to be losing the captaincy, but will “continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt”.

The decision has come after Maguire lost his place in the United team under Ten Hag following the signing of Lisandro Martinez last summer. The England international started only eight Premier League fixtures throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

It is now expected that Bruno Fernandes will be announced as the new club captain at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese maestro enjoyed success with the armband for much of last season as he was considered deputy to Maguire and had the honour of wearing it in games which the defender did not start or play in.

That means that things won’t change massively when the midfielder does officially take over. His teammates already see him as one of the key leaders in the dressing room.

Ten Hag’s expectations of the 28-year-old will not change much. He has already explained what attributes Fernandes offers, both as a player and captain, and it’s the player who will need to continue offering those skills as permanent captain.

“Bruno can cope with load standards that are really high and can take a lot of games,” the Dutchman told reporters back in February. “He is a very fit player and so important for this team.

“First as captain, he’s an example on the pitch with the energy he puts in, and for our tactical approach in both the transition moments. Bruno is so important for this team. He’s a great example for everyone in the squad.”

Consistency and availability are key for a captain and Bruno Fernandes has both in abundance. He has never missed a game through injury in his career, according to transfermarkt, and is regularly one of the highest performing players at Old Trafford.

He returned to the Carrington training complex on Saturday, with his fellow international Reds, ahead of the club’s tour of the United States.

Fernandes was pictured alongside young star Alejandro Garnacho in training, with the young star wearing a numberless training top which falls into suggestions that an upgrade on his current No.49 could be coming his way.