Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already told Erik ten Hag who should be Manchester United captain

It seemed only a matter of time but Harry Maguire confirmed the inevitable this week, his time as Manchester United captain was over.

The Englishman revealed that, after talks with Erik ten Hag, the armband would lie elsewhere at Old Trafford next year. In truth, Maguire was skipper in all but name after being demoted to fourth-choice defender by Ten Hag.

It was an uncomfortable situation, with Maguire regularly sitting on the bench. Bruno Fernandes led the team out more often and whilst a public change is embarrassing, it was necessary.

Fernandes is the obvious successor to Maguire, having been vice-captain last year. He likes the responsibility and leads through his performances rather than the traditional order-barking captain.

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But there have been questions held against Fernandes' demeanour, at times, and whether that embodies the image of a United captain. He is happy to use the 'dark arts' to gain a minute advantage, even if the optics aren't always great.

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He's not alone in that attitude but there are some United fans who might look elsewhere. Perhaps, towards Raphael Varane?

The Frenchman wore the armband on Wednesday against Lyon and led by example at the back. He is United's most decorated player, with countless La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League medals, not to mention he's a World Cup winner.

Aged 30, he is an experienced, world-class defender. Injuries and availability were his greatest downfall in his debut season but he was fortunate on that front last year.

Varane has given United what Ole Gunnar