Ten Hag has obvious next Man Utd captain if Maguire joins Tottenham despite Keane fury
If Tottenham manages to sign Manchester United’s captain Harry Maguire in the upcoming summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag will have no other option but to select Bruno Fernandes as the new captain for  Manchester United.
Currently serving as the vice-captain, the Portuguese player has been assuming the captain’s responsibilities in Maguire’s absence from the starting lineup.
Following Manchester United’s humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool in the league last season, there were concerns regarding Bruno Fernandes’ suitability to be the captain. During the match, Fernandes displayed his emotions through an outburst, where he was seen complaining and gesturing frustratedly instead of displaying the leadership expected of a captain.
Notably, Manchester United legends Robbie Keane and Gary Neville expressed their disappointment with Fernandes’ behavior, considering it to be unnecessary theatrics rather than a display of strong leadership qualities.
“Fernandes’ body language today was nothing short of disgraceful,” said Keane. “A really talented boy, he’s your captain, but his body language, waving his arms, not running back, you wouldn’t be happy with him in your dressing room.”
Gary Neville added: “Bruno Fernandes is stood in the centre circle with his arms raised asking‘Why is it me not coming off?’ Honestly, I have to say some of his behaviour in the second half has been a disgrace.
“The second half has been an absolute disgrace, a shambles. Epitomised by no one more than the captain Bruno Fernandes, who I think has been embarrassing at times in this game.”
However, Ten Hag decided to support and stand by his player despite the incident. When questioned about Fernandes’ continuation as captain shortly after the match, the Manchester United manager responded: “Yes, definitely.
“He’s playing a brilliant season, he’s had a really important role in why we’re in the position where we are he’s giving energy to the team, not only running a lot at the highest intensity but the right way and right direction.
“He’s coaching players, he’s an inspiration, but no-one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, we have to learn, he has to learn, he will because he’s intelligent. I’m happy to have Bruno Fernandes in the team and that he’s captain when Harry isn’t on the pitch.”
Despite critics suggesting that Marcus Rashford would be a more suitable choice for the vice-captaincy role, the Englishman expressed his support for Fernandes and praised him as a “good leader.” With both the manager and fellow players backing Fernandes, it seems probable that he will be promoted to the position of Manchester United’s primary captain if Harry Maguire joins Tottenham.
Reports indicate that Tottenham is willing to consider a potential swap deal involving Harry Kane and Maguire, with additional cash involved, in their efforts to bolster their defensive lineup for the upcoming season.
Ten Hag has obvious next Man Utd captain if Maguire joins Tottenham despite Keane fury
