Why I Chose Bruno Fernandes As Man Utd Captain – Ten Hag

Manchester United Boss, Erik Ten Hag has revealed the reason Bruno Fernandes is picked as the new skipper

The Portuguese midfielder has been named the Red Devils’ new captain for the next campaign.

Fernandes was already wearing the armband for the bulk of the last season as Harry Maguire struggled to nail down a starting berth.

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Ten Hag called the 28-year-old a “leader” who directs and strengthens the team, calling him a “example” and “mirror” for many players to imitate.

“A good team is always covering areas as leaders, team players, multi-functional players, specialists, individualists. But you need some leaders in the team, on the pitch, who are guiding the team, who are building the team, who are controlling the quality of the performance. And one has to wear the [arm]band and we chose, I chose, Bruno because he is a great inspiration. He is the example,” he told the official club media.

“He always wants to be a better football player, working very hard to give his maximum performance. So he is the mirror for many players and he is a good social connector.

“He is also very good at game understanding. So, for a manager, it’s very good to have that intermediary on the pitch. So those are some reasons, but he can’t do it alone. We need more help. We need more leaders to have a strong bond and who can point a team in the right direction,” he continued.

Ten Hag also addressed Maguire’s predicament following his loss of the captaincy. The Dutch strategist emphasised that although he must “fight for his place,” he is still “important” to the team.

“We honour Harry. Harry is crucial to this group, to this team. And as you may know, we have four centre backs in addition to him. I mentioned consistency, and since we know we can’t do it with 11 players, I’m glad we have four excellent centre backs. As last year, he must fight for his position since we will need them. He has great potential, so I have no doubt that he will succeed. He will fight for his position, and then it will be up to him, the man stated.

Fernandes will make his debut as United’s full-time captain on Saturday against Arsenal.