Bruno Fernandes details how Harry Maguire reacted after losing the captaincy to him | OneFootball

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Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has shed light on Harry Maguire’s big-heartedness when passing the armband to him in 2023. The Englishman had just picked up the armband when Fernandes arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting in January 2020.

Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had handed Maguire the captaincy after the departure of Ashley Young. The English defender initially held the position under the Norwegian’s successor, Erik ten Hag, who had taken charge at the Theatre of Dreams in the summer of 2022.

However, with Maguire dropping down the pecking order under the Dutchman, a change in captaincy was in order. Fernandes, who had swiftly become United’s talisman since arriving at the club, was adjudged as the ideal candidate for the job.

The Portuguese has worn the armband ever since, and recently revealed how Maguire’s efforts were key in ensuring a smooth transition.

Fernandes hails Maguire’s sportsmanship

Speaking to LIFEJACKET, Fernandes revealed that Maguire was very co-operative when passing the captaincy baton to him. He said: “To be honest, [when] I got asked if I wanted to be captain of the club, it was a bit awkward for me because obviously I hadn’t spoken to Harry about it.”

“But he already knew it before me, so I think the manager spoke with him before speaking with me. So he was very good, he came and talked to me about it and he said that if he had to lose the armband, it would go to someone like me.”

“So that made me a little bit more relaxed about the situation, also because me and him had a very close relationship before because he was already captain, I was captain when he wasn’t there.”

The Portuguese went on to insist that Maguire remains a part of the captaincy group because of everything the Englishman has done for him and for United. He continued: “So we knew this would keep the communication [about] things we needed to sort out in the dressing room, or whatever.”

“And that hasn’t changed since then, because obviously I’ve got the armband but I’ve always made Harry aware [he’s] part of the captain’s armband, too, because I think he deserves that respect in terms of everything he’s done for the club and everything he’s done also for me since I came to the club.”

Armband has not changed United talisman

The Portuguese went on to suggest that captaincy has not changed him, adding: “I haven’t changed the way I behave around people or the way I treat people. Because I think the main thing always has to be respect between the people you work with, towards you and you towards them.”

“And it doesn’t change by you being the captain. It doesn’t make you any bigger than anyone else, so it’s just an armband that gives you responsibility in certain moments that you have to make decisions on behalf of others. But that’s the only thing and you can’t step on top of anyone just because you’ve got the armband.”

Fernandes has been a fantastic role model at the club, always supporting his team-mates and helping out younger players. It is no wonder that the reigning Premier League, PFA and FWA Player of the Year has also won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award a record five times.

Final Thoughts

Fernandes has scored 107 goals and registered 108 assists in 328 appearances for United to date and is already an Old Trafford legend. The Red Devils now have to ensure that the Portuguese, who is in the final year of his contract, signs a new deal soon.