It has been two years since Bruno Fernandes took the captain’s armband from Harry Maguire.
The transformation of Harry Maguire as a Manchester United defender over the past two years has been incredible.
Maguire was heavily criticised during his time as club captain and even lost his place in the team during the 2022/23 season, making just eight Premier League starts.
The England international was pushed down the pecking order by former manager Erik ten Hag, who preferred a centre-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Now, no longer wearing the captain’s armband, Maguire is recognised as one of the leaders in the United first team dressing room. His performances tend to back it up too as he adjusts his game to suit Ruben Amorim’s back-three system.
Maguire will go into the 2025/26 campaign competing for a place with Matthijs de Ligt in Amorim’s line-up. The Red Devils will have plenty of more competition in the squad this season, which bodes well for an improved campaign.
Harry Maguire during the Europa League final to Tottenham
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Harry Maguire reveals captaincy change details
There is a lot of responsibility that comes with the United captaincy.
Maguire’s performances suffered the worst when he wore the armband, and he was subject to extra scrutiny as well.
More United News
Despite being a loyal servant at club and country level, Maguire has been booed and jeered by his supporters in the past. He has remained a model professional throughout those difficult periods.
Maguire has revealed the details of Ten Hag’s decision to strip him of the captaincy and give the armband to Fernandes in 2023.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand Presents, Maguire said: “When I was the captain, Bruno gave me the full support, I leant on him a lot.
“Whenever I had decisions to make, I had people around me like (David) De Gea, Bruno, Nemanja (Matic), I had good and experienced pros, and I always leaned on them.
“Erik (ten Hag) decided to change the Captain because I wasn’t playing in that first season. I really wanted it to go to Bruno if I am being honest. I told Bruno the same thing, and he came up to me and I said, ‘Congratulations’.”
Fernandes has been United’s most valuable player since joining the club from Sporting CP. Before being named captain, the Portugal international was voted the club’s Player of the Season twice, and he’s won it as many times wearing the armband.
It proved to be one of Ten Hag’s most popular decisions.
Maguire went on to admit he didn’t feel as important at the club as he did under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Amorim has selection headaches vs Arsenal
United start the new season with a home tie against Arsenal on Sunday.
It’s a chance to get off to a winning start against a rival that will be aiming to push for the league title.
Amorim has selection headaches all over the pitch, but in defence we know he’ll stick with a back three.
Leny Yoro has been the most impressive defender throughout pre-season, so he will start on the right side of defence. The French defender will be joined by Ayden Heaven on the left side, while the central role will be occupied by Maguire or De Ligt.
Amorim must decide which centre back will get on better against Viktor Gyokeres and Arsenal.