Erik ten Hag stripped off Bruno Fernandes Captain badge as 16 yrs old new signing becomes Manchester United new Captain
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Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC Porto and Manchester United at …Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images
Erik ten Hag may have just found his new captain for when Bruno Fernandes is suspended
Fri 4 October 2024 18:30
Dan Coombs
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was sent off against Porto, following a red against Tottenham.
Fernandes’ sending off against Tottenham was overturned on appeal. There is no option to do so after his dismissal against Porto.
Late in Manchester United’s 3-3 draw with Porto, Fernandes was shown a second yellow card. He protested but the referee had made up his mind.
Fernandes now faces a one-game suspension and will miss Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Fenerbahce.
READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico
Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC …
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United need stand-in captain
Manchester United need a stand-in captain against Fenerbahce when Bruno Fernandes will not be available.
There are options. Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Casemiro all have leadership qualities.
The standout alternative put his own case forward at the right time. Harry Maguire.
United were down to 10 men against Porto and trailing 3-2 when Fernandes was sent off in the 81st minute.
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Maguire had come on just three minutes earlier amid a double substitution with Jonny Evans.
Manchester United could have buckled a man down, but kept going and pushed for the equaliser, and fittingly it was Maguire who stepped up.
Maguire headed in Christian Eriksen’s injury time corner, with the Dane improving on his poor deliveries in the Tottenham game.
It was the perfect way for the centre-back to remind his manager that he is man who will not give in, and will keep on fighting.
This is the spirit Ten Hag needs from his players right now as he fights for his own job.
Even if just for one game, Harry Maguire suggested he is the perfect man to step up.
Maguire is of course Manchester United’s former captain. Erik ten Hag removed the armband from him in 2023 and almost sold him.
Maguire has stuck it out at Old Trafford, keeps fighting his corner, and has shown resolve and determination to try and perform to his very best.
READ MORE: Who is Harry Maguire? A look at the life of the Manchester United and England colossus
Timing impeccable for Maguire
The timing from Harry Maguire was impeccable, not just for Manchester United on the night, but for his own circumstances.
Maguire learned just hours earlier that he has been dropped from the England squad by new interim manager Lee Carsley.
It is the first time in seven years Maguire has simply not been selected for England for any reason other than injury.
Maguire dealt with this in the best way possible, delivering a big moment for Manchester United to earn a point in Porto.
It demonstrated the high character Maguire has, which is going to come in handy for United.
Questions are being asked about the performances of both Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez at present, and Maguire could find himself recalled.
Not just for the Fenerbahce game, but for the match with Aston Villa this coming weekend.
Maguire should be given the chance to earn his spot, and keep it, while taking the captaincy for United’s trip to Turkey.
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