TheCable

Manchester United have announced Bruno Fernandes, their Portuguese midfielder, as the new captain of the English Premier League (EPL) club.

In a statement on Thursday, the Red Devil said Fernandes will replace Harry Maguire as the leader of the club’s dressing room.

“Bruno Fernandes has been named as the new club captain of Manchester United,” the statement reads.

“The Portuguese midfielder has already worn the armband for United on numerous occasions and Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he will now lead the team on a permanent basis.

“Fernandes has scored 64 goals and contributed 54 assists in just 185 games for the club since joining in 2020.

“As captain, the two-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year will continue to drive the highest standards throughout the squad as United push for success in the 2023/24 season and beyond.”

Fernandes has proven a vital player for the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon for £46.6 million in January 2020.

He joined former captain Maguire to lift the Carabao Cup trophy Man United won in March; their first silverware in six years.

Maguire was last Sunday stripped of the Manchester United captaincy after crunch talks with Erik ten Hag, the club’s coach.

In a Twitter post, Maguire said he “is extremely disappointed” but will “continue to give my all” in United’s shirt.