The removal of Harry Maguire as Manchester United captain had an air of inevitability about it but that should not deter from the decisiveness shown by Erik ten Hag.
Maguire confirmed he would no longer wear the armband in an emotional statement on Sunday evening, following talks with the manager in which he was informed of the decision. "He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt," the defender wrote on his social media channels.
United are - for now - without a permanent leader and news of Maguire's successor isn't likely to come until the club jet off to the United States for their pre-season tour.
The plane will be ready to take off from Edinburgh after Wednesday's meeting with Lyon but the only captain on board will be in the cockpit. Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag has already hinted at who could become United's next captain A vacant armband less than a month before the season kicks off is not ideal, but Ten Hag has been minded to act swiftly and will already have Maguire's successor in mind.