Why Fernandes was made Man Utd captain after Maguire

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has opened up on why manager Erik ten Hag made him captain after the band was taken away from Harry Maguire.

In a post-match statement after the Red Devils’ 2-0 win over Arsenal in a pre-season friendly during the weekend, Fernandes said Ten Hag chose him because of how his efforts last season.

The Portugal international, who opened the scoreboard at the Met Life against Arsenal, said he expects the team to step up this season.

When asked about the captaincy, Fernandes said of Erik ten Hag’s decision: “The manager chose me because of what I was doing last season and the way he worked with me.

“He liked the way I work, my discipline, everything I give, my passion, everything I give, so I don’t see why I should change.”

Meanwhile, Maguire has been advised to leave Old Trafford if he is keen on getting more game time.