Who is Manchester United’s vice captain? Ruben Amorim’s three replacements for Bruno Fernandes vs Newcastle

Rúben Amorim will have to choose a new Manchester United captain as they face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday evening.

Manchester United are preparing to take on Newcastle United on Monday evening at Old Trafford in their final match of 2024, as Rúben Amorim looks to lift his team from 14th place in the Premier League.

A trio of consecutive defeats to Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers has left the team under significant scrutiny, with poor performances drawing sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Amorim’s 3-4-3 system remains a work in progress, but defensive frailties, especially at set pieces, have been a persistent issue throughout the past month.

With the festive fixtures in full swing, United have an opportunity to end the year on a high with a home win. However, Newcastle, buoyed by a dominant 3-0 victory over Aston Villa earlier in the week, will pose a tough challenge.

Unlike many Premier League clubs, United do not have a direct vice-captain who steps up to replace Fernandes when he’s not on the field, although Lisandro Martínez took the armband when he was dismissed against Wolves.

With Fernandes suspended against Newcastle due to a red card, below we have detailed the three players who may step up and resume the role in his absense.

#1 – Harry Maguire

Maguire is one of the most obvious choices to replace Fernandes as captain, although there is doubts over whether or not he will play on Monday evening.

Maguire was the club captain before Fernandes and is often seen as a leader in the dressing room. However, having played 90 minutes and Amorim keen to manage his minutes, he may not play amid Matthijs de Ligt’s return to the squad.

Amorim was asked if Maguire would become the captain against Newcastle, to which he replied” “You will have to wait until the game and see the captain.”

Although some fans have put forward the proposal of De Ligt taking the armband, it may be too early to hand the 2024 signing the role, even on a temporary basis.

#2 – André Onana

André Onana has been United’s only ever-present in the Premier League since he joined the club in 2023, starting every single game.

Although Onana has had his fair share of issues since he joined, with bouts of incredible form mixed in with some truly horrendous errors, he is one of the few players at the club who does not shy away from adversity.

His character and resilience would be much appreciated in a leader at the club right now, and he would be a great fit for captain during what will be a very intense atmosphere at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

#3 – Casemiro

Although this may seem a slightly wildcard choice considering his lack of minutes under Amorim so far, Casemiro is almost nailed on to start against Newcastle following Manuel Ugarte’s suspension.

Casemiro is the club’s most experienced player, having won more trophies than the rest of the squad combined and shown his leadership both at United and Real Madrid.

Casemiro is probably the most well-positioned player to take the armband, playing right in the centre of the field.

Still, there is a question mark over how much Amorim trusts the player after starting just three of the head coach’s opening ten fixtures in charge.

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