Manchester United have tough 'second captain' decision to make after Bruno Fernandes promotion

Bruno Fernandes will be Manchester United captain this season after replacing Harry Maguire in the top job.

Amid intense speculation over his future, England defender Maguire, 30, was stripped of the armband by manager Erik ten Hag in what was a commanding and forthright decision. However, it was largely expected due to the much reduced role Maguire played within the United squad on-field last campaign.

Despite opting to promote Fernandes early this summer there has, as yet, been no announcement on which player (or players) might succeed the Portugal international as vice captain - or whether there will even be one chosen. With pre-season drawing to a close over these next 48 hours, we have taken a closer look at five options for Ten Hag to consider;

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Casemiro: A leading candidate to become the club's new vice captain this season. Casemiro was championed as a possible successor to Maguire outright - in some sections - given his undoubted leadership credentials. However, it was Fernandes who was officially given that honour. With or without the armband on, though, Brazilian powerhouse Casemiro, 31, will help to call the shots and drive his teammates on throughout the campaign.

Christian Eriksen: While the Denmark playmaker impressed during his debut season - in a deeper role to which he has become accustomed over his distinguished career - he faces immense competition for his spot with Fernandes, Casemiro and summer signing Mason Mount all vying for regular starts. Eriksen might not exactly be your archetypal leader, but still commands huge respect and has led Denmark a handful of times in his 120 caps.

Lisandro Martinez: Perhaps a United captain in the making longer-term.