Man United fans know who they want to replace Harry Maguire as captain, one moment confirmed it

Manchester United fans know who they want as their new captain after Harry Maguire was stripped of the armband.

The England defender has been United's skipper since Ashley Young departed for Inter Milan in January 2020 but after making just eight Premier League starts last term, Erik ten Hag has made the decision to remove him from the position.

Maguire announced the news on Twitter in a lengthy statement which was then shared by United.

The announcement was to be expected and Maguire said he was "personally extremely disappointed" but pledged to support whoever replaces him at the helm.

Raphael Varane was captain for the 2-0 friendly win over Leeds United last week, while Casemiro and Luke Shaw would both appear to be contenders for the role.

However, for many it's a no-brainer that Bruno Fernandes will be full-time captain for the Red Devils after fulfilling the position for large parts of the 2022/23 season.

The Portugal international has demonstrated leadership qualities on many an occasion, one being after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's final game in charge.

United were pumped 4-1 by Watford at Vicarage Road and as he went over to the fans, Fernandes signalled to the travelling supporters that it was the fault of the team and not the manager.

Fast forward to the FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton last season, Fernandes came off with an injury but gave a rousing speech to encourage his teammates at half-time in extra time.

Rio Ferdinand has said it would be a "natural progression" for Fernandes, with many United supporters in agreement that he should get the nod.

One wrote: "Bruno Fernandes is obviously Manchester United's next captain. He's clear of any option. Casemiro should easily be his vice.

Another said: "There's no-one who deserves captain armband more than Bruno Fernandes."

A third echoed the thoughts, writing: "No player deserves the armband more than Bruno Fernandes. My Captain."

A fourth commented: "Erik Ten Hag does not need to take long to pick who should be the next United captain. Bruno Fernandes is the obvious choice."

A fifth added: "From the moment Bruno Fernandes did this, I knew he was captain material."

In a recent press conference, Ten Hag was asked if he was allowing his players to decide the captain but stated, "No, I don’t let the dressing room vote. It is up to me.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty & FIVE

Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Erik Ten Hag, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Manchester United, Premier League, Raphael Varane, Fan Reactions

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_