Manchester United and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named club captain, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It comes after Erik ten Hag decided to take the armband from Harry Maguire given the Englishman’s uncertain future.
While Maguire was dropped from the pecking order, the defender was disappointed to have lost his place as United captain.
Maguire’s absence from the first team for much of the recently concluded season meant Fernandes was named United captain for most of last season.
The Portugal international has now been officially named a national team player. The decision to appoint Fernandes as his next captain may have been easy for Ten Hag after repeatedly speaking about the 28-year-old’s leadership qualities.
“First of all, as a captain he is a role model on the pitch with the energy he brings,” Ten Hag told the Daily Mail in February.
“He’s so important to the team in our tactical approach and our transition – he’s a great example.
“He can handle the stress demands, which are very high, and can endure a lot of games – he’s a great role model for everyone in the team.”
Since joining Old Trafford in January 2020, Fernandes has proven to be a great addition due to his quality and availability.
Last time out, he played the most first-team minutes of any European player, which is a testament to his high level of fitness. After claiming his first title with United by lifting the Carabao Cup last season, Fernandes will be happy to enjoy a trophy-filled spell as team leader and follow in the footsteps of the Old Trafford greats of yesteryear.
More news……..
Marcus Rashford ‘agrees on new long-term deal with Manchester United’
Manchester United have reportedly made the breakthrough in trying to agree a new contract with Marcus Rashford
The Red Devils are currently adding Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana to their 2023-24 squad to join Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount in the move to Old Trafford.
However, partly due to the problems with the FFP, United are yet to add another centre-forward to their squad, with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen among those now seemingly out of their price range.
United are still expected to push hard to sign Atalanta BC striker Rasmus Hojlund, but those in power must also focus on Rashford’s future.
Towards the end of last year, club officials are activating the 12-month extension in the club’s deal, at a time when he has been showing his best form at the Theater of Dreams. In the 2022/23 season, Rashford netted a superb 30 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, with the England international responding to the arrival of Erik Ten Hag as manager.
However, the inclusion of the one-year clause in his contract only increased the pressure to agree new terms with the long-serving striker as soon as possible.
A quick deal has yet to be agreed as the 25-year-old is now in the final 12 months of his contract, but it now looks like a deal will be confirmed soon.
According to The Athletic, an “agreement in principle” has been reached to sign a new contract.
According to the report, United and Rashford’s agent Dwaine Maynard is in the final stages of negotiations before an official announcement is made. Although no possible salary is mentioned in the source above, it has already been suggested that Rashford could benefit from a pay rise which could see him around £375,000 a week.
His new contract is set to last until 2028, with United potentially insisting on a new 12-month option, as they do with many top signings and renewals.
Rashford are currently preparing to represent United on their pre-season tour of the United States, with the club flying out on Wednesday.
