Harry Maguire is club captain at Manchester United but Bruno Fernandes has been skipper more regularly in the Premier League this season, with the defender struggling for game time
Erik ten Hag has been urged to permanently remove Harry Maguire as captain of Manchester United, as he continues to struggle for game time.
The Dutchman confirmed in the summer that Maguire would remain skipper for his first season in charge at Old Trafford. But the centre-back has made just seven appearances in the Premier League so far this term, with Ten Hag preferring a pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
In his place, Bruno Fernandes has taken on the armband, impressing in the role with United on track for a successful season. But when Maguire does come on for his substitute appearances, he tends to take the armband back off Fernandes.
That has been derided by United legend Paul Parker, who now believes Maguire has to be stripped of the captaincy permanently. And he has insisted that Maguire’s career as a top-level player is over.
“Honestly, the situation with Harry Maguire is embarrassing now. The way he is taking away the armband from Bruno Fernandes is miserable. He should never do that,” Parker told Mybettingsites.
“Erik ten Hag needs to take the decision now to take away the armband from Maguire for good. But I’m not sure that he will find a new club in January. It will be very tough for a sporting director to convince the fans that he is a good signing at any club.
“He needs to play for a team that defends with a low block because he is too nervous and too slow to play for a big club. But I think he is quite happy at Man United and most likely he will settle and enjoy his time on the bench because he knows that any other club would be a step down from Man United.”
Bruno Fernandes is the leading candidate to take over the armband permanently ( Image: Craig Mercer/Getty Images)
“Maybe he could go out on loan but then it will be a small team from the bottom of the league. He can’t play for a top side like Man City, Liverpool or Newcastle because they are defending with a high line.
“He needs to play for a team that defends with a low block because he is too nervous and too slow to play for a big club. But I think he is quite happy at Man United and most likely he will settle and enjoy his time on the bench because he knows that any other club would be a step down from Man United.”
Ten Hag has already hinted that Fernandes could take on the armband on a permanent basis. The midfielder has become a key player since the Dutchman took over and earned high praise from his manager.
“I think he’s an example. That’s also the reason why he often wears the armband. That’s exemplified by his energy,” Ten Hag said last week when asked about Fernandes’ role in his squad.
“He’s so good in transition, both ways, and that’s one of the key elements in today’s football. He’s so good in it and he gives so much quality in that part of the game. The team’s really happy with him and I’m really happy with him.”
