Sir Alex Ferguson has already advised Erik ten Hag on the ideal Manchester United captain
Erik ten Hag is poised to appoint a new Manchester United captain, as Harry Maguire’s future at the club is uncertain, and Sir Alex Ferguson has previously outlined the necessary qualities.
In light of Harry Maguire’s uncertain future, Sir Alex Ferguson has previously outlined the necessary qualities for Manchester United’s captain.
Erik ten Hag will soon name the first captain of his tenure, having inherited Maguire as captain. The center-back quickly fell out of favor at Old Trafford, and the club is seeking to move him in the coming weeks, leaving the captaincy potentially vacant.
During his trophy-laden reign, Ferguson had a number of outstanding captains. Roy Keane was arguably the most notable leader, while Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce, and Gary Neville also served as team captains. For the Scot, however, Bryan Robson stood out above the rest.
In 2021, he stated, “The players adored him. They responded to him, and he was the captain with the longest tenure during my lifetime. It’s challenging for a captain because he must sometimes tell the players the truth, you know? The encouragement he has to give them is sometimes quite volatile, and he was similarly temperamental, but the players adored him.
“They valued the time he spent with them, and he was the only commander I knew who could make decisions on the field. He was not required to look at me. This is uncommon behavior on his part. It is extremely uncommon that he had the courage to do that.”
The Sun has reported that Maguire will be stripped of the captaincy regardless of where he plays football next season, with Bruno Fernandes due to assume the position. The Portuguese playmaker has previously worn the captain’s insignia, but will now be entrusted permanently.
Previously, Ten Hag praised Fernandes, referring to him as the team’s captain when Maguire still held that position. “Of course he’s prepared, it’s Bruno Fernandes,” he told MUTV. He’s strong, he accepts responsibility, he wants to play, and of course we’re glad he’s on the team because he’s one of our best players and has a significant impact in every game. He is our commander, so we’re ecstatic.”
In the past, former Manchester United players have criticized Fernandes for his behavior on the field, specifically for taking aim at his teammates. Despite admitting that he sometimes crosses the line, the player insists he is never disrespectful.
“Sometimes I go over the line,” he told Sky Sports. “I know that. It can happen in the game and it is difficult to control emotions. But I never try to be disrespectful with anyone. We are all competitive and we all want to win. The way I play and feel the game, the passion I feel for it, is how I feel better and how I give the most for my team and to my club. That’s why I play in that way.”
Sir Alex Ferguson has already advised Erik ten Hag on the ideal Manchester United captain
