The issue of Manchester United's captaincy has been hotly debated since Erik ten Hag was appointed as manager. Many expected Harry Maguire to lose the captain's armband after a poor season in 2021/22 which saw the club record their lowest points total in the Premier League era and a goal difference of exactly zero.
Cristiano Ronaldo was many fans' prime candidate to replace the English defender, but after he asked to leave United it seems that it is unlikely that he can be given the armband. Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane and David de Gea had also been suggested.
But Ten Hag has no plans to change the captaincy as of this moment. He told the media in his press conference prior to the Liverpool game: " Maguire is the captain. I have to get to know all the players, but he's an established captain and he has achieved a lot of success."
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Ten Hag has made his decision early and this was a good call, speculation would lead to more pressure and he can always make the decision to change his mind later in the season if he feels Maguire is not up to the task. However the 29-year-old is not going to play every game, so what is the chain of leadership below the defender?
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United fans got a glimpse of this against Liverpool. Maguire has been suffering from a small injury so was partaking in his own personal session during the club's open training session in Bangkok and did not play against the club's Premier League rivals in their 4-0 win.
Fernandes started the match with the armband as he did on a number of occasions while Maguire was injured last season. Though unlike those appearances, where his passing was often erratic and his performances lacking, he looked much more focused against Liverpool, maybe due to Ten Hag's training.
In the second half, it was De Gea's time to take the armband as Fernandes was subbed off for Donny van der Beek. This three-tiered system is probably the hierarchy which United will follow for the upcoming season.
Eric Bailly also received the armband, when De Gea was subbed for Tom Heaton in the 68th minute, but it seems that was just due to his status as the most senior player on the field. At this point, Ten Hag had subbed on the likes of Zidane Iqbal, Charlie Savage, Amad and Facundo Pellistri.
Overall it is important that Ten Hag has identified his leadership group this early. Having a handful of players who know can step into the captain's role at a moments notice, but more importantly, lead as a unit in the dressing room is key to success.
At the end of the day, the armband is just a piece of fabric that allows you to talk to referee, it doesn't dictate who the dressing room leaders are even if it is usually given to the standout candidate for it in the squad. Maguire, Fernandes, De Gea, Varane and possibly Ronaldo if he returns, will all be able to set a good example to the rest of the team on and off the pitch.
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