Erik ten Hag can repeat Pep Guardiola trick to solve Manchester United captaincy dilemma

Erik ten Hag has got most of his big decisions right at Manchester United, and this summer he will have another to make as he continues the rebuild of his squad.

The Dutchman quickly established his authority at United after a slightly worrying start. Ten Hag was learning on the job after the leap from Ajax to Old Trafford, with his only two mistakes possibly being how he catered for Cristiano Ronaldo's ego and showed loyalty to Harry Maguire when he owed him nothing.

It was an opportunity for clean breaks, yet the new manager, understandably, was reluctant to make too many ruthless decisions. He's certainly earned every right to make them this summer.

Read next: United injury latest and return dates

Ronaldo is gone, but Maguire remains the club captain. The final few months of the season already seem like a countdown before he leaves, and they move on without him.

Ten Hag has handled a tricky situation carefully, giving the 30-year-old a sense of meaning through his cameo roles this season, and showing a touch of class to let him come in the final minutes of the Carabao Cup final win.

Maguire is often ridiculed as a figure of fun, but he has been a professional servant to the club and deserved a moment of success to recognise his efforts before he is most likely moved on at the end of the campaign.

The next task will be for Ten Hag to determine who is best suited to wear the armband going forward, and this international break has further emphasised how many viable options he has.

Bruno Fernandes looks to be the leading candidate to become the next permanent captain, not only through his leadership qualities but also the fact he has been an ever-present this season and is still the first name on the team sheet.

Even