'Not the best' - Bruno Fernandes reveals how Harry Maguire reacted to being stripped of Man Utd captaincy

• Defender has armband taken off him
• Passed to Portuguese midfielder
• Big call from Dutch coach

WHAT HAPPENED? The most expensive defender in world football has been stripped of the armband at Old Trafford after slipping down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag last season. Portuguese midfielder Fernandes, who filled in on a regular basis during the 2022-23 campaign when United needed on-field leadership, has now been appointed as the club’s new skipper on a permanent basis. Maguire has admitted to being left disappointed with that decision, but Fernandes says that he can upon the full backing of his predecessor.

WHAT THEY SAID: Fernandes has told reporters when asked about Maguire’s reaction to being replaced in a prominent role: “He gave me congratulations and he said he is really happy for me. I understand his position is not the best at the moment. It has to be difficult for him but he came and said congratulations to me and I am happy about that because we have always had a good relationship.”

The Portugal international added on Ten Hag calling a team meeting in order to reveal the captaincy call: “He spoke in front of the whole group. He wanted to do it in front of everyone. Everyone already knew about the situation with H [Maguire] but no one knew who would be the next captain so he did it in a team meeting with everyone together because it’s something we have to do more often, to keep the things inside and give the compliments inside to ourselves. Obviously it’s a big honour and it’s something that I didn’t dream about. It’s over your dreams but it’s something for me and my family, because they have been with me all this time, and it’s a proud moment for everyone.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Fernandes demands the highest standards of himself and his team-mates, with the 28-year-old playmaker saying he will not reign in his fiery character after being asked to take United’s armband. He said of being a big personality in the Red Devils’ ranks: “That’s why the manager chose me, because of what I was doing last season, the way he wants me to be. He likes the way I work he likes my discipline, he likes everything I give, so I don’t see why I should change.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? United are currently in the United States for pre-season friendlies against Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, while they will also face Lens and Athletic Club before opening their 2023-24 Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on August 14.