Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are stepping up their efforts to sign Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United, and are reportedly willing to go big to sign him.
Manchester United would prefer not to lose their captain and talisman. Still, if a significant offer were to come in and Bruno Fernandes decided he wanted to leave, it is unlikely the club would stand in his way.
United fans online have been debating topics such as whether the club should allow him to leave, what an acceptable fee would be, and crucially, how Manchester United would replace him.
However, there is one particular role Fernandes fills that requires a replacement who is ideally already at the club: Ruben Amorim must appoint a new Manchester United club captain if his fellow countryman is to move to Saudi Arabia.
Here, we outline five possible contenders within United’s current squad to take on the armband if Bruno Fernandes does depart.
Casemiro
Whilst this would be a short-term choice, Casemiro is positioned as one of the leading contenders to take on the armband in United’s squad, and it would make a lot of sense for him to take it.
The Brazilian midfielder is United’s most experienced and successful player, and commands respect within the squad. He is an extremely intelligent figure and has built up a strong relationship with Ruben Amorim, which is particularly key.
United are going through a rebuild right now, and there will be a lot of difficult waters to navigate. Having a captain with the experience and leadership qualities that Casemiro possesses makes it easy for United to navigate these difficulties.
Matthijs de Ligt
Another strong contender, Matthijs de Ligt, has only played one season at the club but is a born leader. The Dutchman captained Ajax at the age of 18, showcasing his ability to deal with the pressure of the armband at a big club.
De Ligt is already an important figure in United’s squad, he is a key player at the back, and Ruben Amorim clearly trusts him a lot, having played him all across the back three. He is well-regarded amongst the squad and also helpful behind the scenes with academy players.
Turning 26 soon, De Ligt is in his prime years and offers a bit more longevity than some of the other options to take on the armband, potentially being somebody who could captain the club for five or more years.
Lisandro Martínez
Currently recovering from an ACL injury, Lisandro Martínez has been one of United’s vice-captains for a while now and is one of the most important players in the squad, who has been sorely missed by teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Martínez’s fiery personality and extreme dedication set a standard that United have sorely lacked at points over the years. When fit, he is a guaranteed starter, and he always makes his presence known. The fact that he has been at the club for three years now is something that works in his favour, too.
One drawback is that he has had a few significant injuries now, so availability is a concern; however, with the right vice-captains in place, this could be something Amorim overlooks.
Harry Maguire
It couldn’t happen, could it?
Harry Maguire has completely revitalised his Manchester United career since he last held the club captaincy, having overcome significant challenges to do so. The fact that he has previously been United captain will certainly be something for Ruben Amorim to consider.
Maguire is a leader who always gives his all, has an important role within the squad, and does a great amount behind the scenes, particularly with the academy. With a lot of change going on at Old Trafford, could Amorim be seeking some familiarity to help steer the ship?
Kobbie Mainoo
An outside shout, but one that would most certainly be a statement move. There wouldn’t be a better way for Amorim to show his faith in Kobbie Mainoo than giving him the captain’s armband.
United are going through a major cultural reset right now, so if Bruno Fernandes is to leave, then could going for such a bold option to replace him as captain actually serve as a key moment in the INEOS project?
Mainoo is United through and through. He grew up in Stockport and has been with the club as long as he can remember.
Given the academy’s importance to the club and the chance he may become a “monster” in midfield next season, it would be a move that resonates well with the fans and could potentially spark a necessary cultural shift at Manchester United.
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