Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reiterated last week that he and he alone will be responsible for choosing the club’s captain. On Sunday, Harry Maguire posted on his social media that he will no longer be the captain of the club after discussions with the manager.
But the Red Devils boss was quick to snuff out any talk of the decision being taken out of his hands. Speaking in the wake of United’s 2-0 win over rivals Leeds United in a preseason friendly, Ten Hag said: “No, I don’t let the dressing room vote. It is up to me.”
But a decision does need to be made. Maguire lost his place to Lisandro Martinez last season, with the Argentine World Cup winner lining up with either Raphael Varane or Victor Lindelof in most games. Maguire featured just 16 times in the Premier League.
Absentee captains have been used before at clubs but they are usually legendary figures whose age precludes them from more involvement, like Gary Neville and Bryan Robson late in their United careers. Maguire is theoretically in his prime at 30 and his performances afford him no such lofty status.
United need a week-on-week skipper who will be present and correct in the biggest games. Varane led the side against Leeds and isn’t a bad choice. His injury record isn’t ideal, but he still played the majority of United’s Premier League games last term. Varane is the same age as Maguire but boasts a World Cup win and an eye-watering four Champions Leagues on his immense CV.
There is a United star who has Varane beat on that score, though. Casemiro, the transformative midfielder, won those four European Cups alongside the Frenchman at Real Madrid. Then, when Varane signed for United in 2021, he went on to win another. The Brazil international has been an on-pitch leader for United without the armband and his effect on those around him is clear to see. That competitive streak was particularly prevalent during some heated exchanges with another leadership-craving Red.
Bruno Fernandes is the usual choice to captain the side when Maguire doesn’t play. He has had several instances of friendly fire with Casemiro. Passionate words exchanged in the heat of battle. Steel sharpens steel and Casemiro has been a force of nature, while Fernandes enjoyed his best campaign in years last season. While indecision over the armband could make this love-hate relationship turn toxic, if one of the pair is given the armband the other will be an able lieutenant.
Then there is the homegrown choice. Marcus Rashford represents everything good about Manchester United. Talented, attack-minded, Mancunian, community-spirited. Rashford has overcome scrutiny from the government, racists in his social media DMs and fans quick to forget everything he’s done for them. He overcame that to have one of his finest seasons last year. After that, leading his side should be a doddle.
Then there is the stick rather than twist option. Ten Hag could elect to keep Maguire if he impresses behind closed doors. The England international has reportedly been undertaking double sessions in preseason as well as working one-to-one with Chelsea legend Ricardo Carvalho. Maguire is putting maximum effort into his game. If he thinks he can work his way back into the side, he might be able to regain the armband.
All we know for sure is that Ten Hag and Ten Hag alone will make the final decision. For a club that has been criticised for lacking natural leaders in recent seasons, he is actually spoilt for choice. The signings of Varane and Casemiro have added that element to the dressing room while Fernandes has grown into his role. Rashford too is displaying increased maturity while Maguire has something to fight for. Whoever wears the armband next season, they will have truly earned it.
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