As the anticipation for the upcoming season builds, Manchester United has entrusted the leadership of the team to the talented Portuguese midfielder, Bruno Fernandes.
The announcement came via an official statement from the Premier League club on Thursday, signifying a significant shift as Fernandes takes over the captaincy from the former leader, Harry Maguire.
Maguire's tenure as captain came to an end due to a series of lackluster performances in the previous season, leading to his exclusion from the starting lineup and eventually becoming a sporadic presence on the team. Seizing the opportunity for change, coach Eric Ten Haag decided to make Fernandes the captain as the 2023-24 season commences.
Fernandes has consistently proven himself as one of the team's most exceptional and reliable players. In the absence of Maguire during critical junctures last season, he admirably led the team, showcasing his strong leadership qualities.
Since his arrival at United from Sporting in 2020, the 28-year-old attacking midfielder has made an impressive 185 appearances across all competitions, contributing 64 goals and 54 assists to the team's success.
The Red Devils, who secured a commendable third-place finish in the Premier League last season, have already begun their pre-season preparations. In their initial friendly match, they faced off against Ligue One club Olympique Lyon, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Next on their agenda is a tour of the United States, where they will engage in friendly clashes against formidable opponents like Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund. The matches will serve as valuable opportunities for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum for the upcoming season under Fernandes' captaincy.
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