Erik ten Hag has already dropped a hint as to who will replace Harry Maguire as Manchester United skipper.
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Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in the summer and despite confirming Maguire would continue as captain in July, the England centre-back has struggled for game time and has mostly been placed on the bench.
Maguire has played across just 12 matches for Manchester United so far this campaign, playing a total of 614 minutes.
He lost his place in the team before the World Cup but Ten Hag has since suggested Maguire could force his way back into the side after helping England reach the quarter-finals in Qatar.
Ten Hag still appears to have doubts over the defender, though, and picked Luke Shaw as a makeshift centre-half in United’s recent wins over Nottingham and Wolves.
Former United player Rio Ferdinand has urged Maguire to find a new team in the January transfer window due to his lack of playing time.
But, the Red Devils are adamant Maguire will not leave Old Trafford this month and will instead make a decision over his long-term future at the end of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag, speaking to the Manchester United website on Friday, dropped a hint that he will soon make Bruno Fernandes the new captain of the club.
Fernandes is now the de facto vice-captain and has worn the armband when Maguire has not played this season.
‘I think he’s an example [for other players],’ Ten Hag said about Fernandes. ‘That’s also the reason why he often wears the [arm]band.
‘That’s exemplified by his energy. 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.’
