Rúben Amorim addresses Manchester United captaincy change following Bruno Fernandes red card

Rúben Amorim has addressed who may become Manchester United’s captain against Newcastle after Bruno Fernandes’ red card leaves him with a one-match Premier League ban.

Manchester United are preparing to face Newcastle United as Rúben Amorim looks to lift his side from 14th in the Premier League table.

A trio of defeats in a row to Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers has left Amorim and his side open to significant criticism, with appalling performances leaving many dismayed.

The players are still trying to get used to the new head coach’s 3-4-3 system, while there is a big issue concerning defending set pieces which has been the side’s undoing across the last month.

However, with the festive period’s games now well underway, there is a chance to galvanise the club through beating Newcastle, although the Magpies are coming off the back of a thumping 3-0 win over Aston Villa in midweek.

Amorim needs a new captain vs Newcastle

The 2-0 loss against Wolves on Boxing Day was already bad enough, but the red card received by Bruno Fernandes just piled on the problems.

With Fernandes now set to serve a one-match ban against Newcastle on Monday evening, Amorim has the task of selecting a new captain for the tie, and was asked if he would hand this role to former captain Harry Maguire, who was stripped of the role in 2023.

“You will have to wait until the game and see the captain,” he said when asked if he would consider the 30-year-old.

Further on Maguire, Amorim said: “He works really well, he is focused on the job and not what people say. He has no excuses, even if he had some tough moments.

“I think in that department he is an example. He is there to play, to help the team and he’s trying to do that.”

Maguire is one of three Fernandes replacements

Although Maguire may be the first choice that comes to mind, there are two other players who could take the armband in place of Fernandes.

One other is André Onana. The goalkeeper has been United’s only ever-present in the Premier League since he signed in 2023, and has been a staunch leader at the back.

Although Onana has had his own fair share of mistakes since he joined from Inter Milan, he has shown the character required to overcome adversity, a trait United need more than anything right now.

The third option is Casemiro. Although the veteran midfielder has not played much football since Amorim joined, Manuel Ugarte is also suspended due to yellow card accumulation, which pretty much confirms that the Brazilian will start.

He can show leadership and ability from in the midfield during what will no doubt be a high-pressure game for the Reds next week.

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