Man Utd to name Bruno Fernandes as new captain after Harry Maguire stripped

Bruno Fernandes is set to be appointed as Manchester United's new club captain after Harry Maguire was stripped of the role.

Fernandes, 28, was the de facto captain for United last season with Maguire largely consigned to a place on the bench.

The England international lost his spot in the team early on last season and failed to regain it over the course of the campaign.

Maguire confirmed on Sunday that Erik ten Hag had stripped him of the captaincy, fuelling speculation he could be sold by United this summer.

In a lengthy statement on social media, Maguire expressed his disappointment in the decision but vowed to support whoever replaced him as captain.

"Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date," wrote Maguire.

"It's one of the greatest honours in club football. I've done everything I possibly could to help United be successful - on and off the field.

"I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support."

Several players were touted as potential replacements for Maguire including Fernandes, Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw.

Varane captained the side in their pre-season wins over Leeds United and Lyon in the absence of Maguire and Fernandes.

But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Fernandes will take the armband for the upcoming season.

"Bruno Fernandes will be new Man Utd captain, as revealed two days ago," tweeted Romano, referencing one of his earlier tweets.

Fernandes is expected to captain United in their next pre-season match against Arsenal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday after being named in Ten Hag's 31-man squad for the tour of the United States.

Man Utd's squad for US tour

Goalkeepers: Nathan Bishop, Tom Heaton, Dean Henderson, Radek Vitek.

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Alvaro Fernandez, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams.

Midfielders: Amad, Antony, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Dan Gore, Hannibal, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount, Facundo Pellistri, Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek.

Forwards: Anthony Elanga, Omari Forson, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford.