Bruno Fernandes confirmed as new Manchester United captain

Bruno Fernandes has been installed as Manchester United's new permanent captain, replacing Harry Maguire after the England defender was stripped of the honour by Erik ten Hag.

Maguire played a peripheral role for United last season, ending the campaign as the Reds' fifth-choice centre-back behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and even left-back Luke Shaw.

Fernandes' first game as skipper will come on Saturday night, when United take on Arsenal in their first fixture of their pre-season tour of the United States.

The Portuguese midfielder joined United from Sporting Club in January 2020 and quickly emerged as a talismanic figure in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.

Fernandes was integral in United securing a top-four finish in the 2019-20 season and a second-placed finish in 2020-21, their joint-best Premier League finish since Sir Alex Ferguson's 2013 retirement.

A club statement confirming Fernandes' new role said: The Portuguese midfielder has already worn the armband for United on numerous occasions and Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he will now lead the team on a permanent basis.

"Fernandes has scored 64 goals and contributed 54 assists in just 185 games for the club since joining in 2020.

"As captain, the two-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year will continue to drive the highest standards throughout the squad as United push for success in the 2023/24 season and beyond."