Bruno Fernandes on 'awkward' captaincy handover from Harry Maguire at Man United | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes says the captaincy handover from Harry Maguire at Manchester United felt awkward at first, before a candid chat settled the mood. The midfielder has opened up on the moment he accepted the armband.

"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," he told LIFEJACKET.

Erik ten Hag removed Maguire as captain before the 2023-24 season after a difficult spell for the England defender, then confirmed Fernandes as skipper, a role he had often filled in Maguire's absence.

"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."

"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 for everything he's done for the club and for me."

Fernandes and Maguire now turn to United's next test under new head coach Michael Carrick, a visit of Ipswich Town on Sunday, seeking a response to a 2-0 loss to Hull City on the opening weekend.

Source: Goal.com

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