While Manchester United struggles through the 2024–25 season, the captaincy and vice-captaincy of Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes have been a hot topic. Now, the two players have both led the team in some of its darkest times, but with respective contrasting fortunes. Influence, performance, and team success all differ.
Harry Maguire's captaincy was a period of inconsistency and transitionHarry Maguire was made club captain by then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær in January 2020. After only just signing, Maguire's initial spell was significant for the rock solid, sensible defending of Stone that was a key aspect of his praise from the club's great, Bryan Robson, who was also saying he should wear the armband for his calming influence on and off the pitch.
Not that it has been smooth sailing for United under Maguire's captaincy. There was no major silverware with the team, Maguire's form slumped, and observers in the stands and the punditry began to see red over the England international's displays. However, under Erik ten Hag, he soon fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford and was then relieving Maguire from the Man United captaincy in July 2023, claiming the group needed a captain to fit the vibe of the group.
Bruno Fernandes' captaincy is about leading by example amid challengesBruno Fernandes - who regularly wore the armband when Maguire was absent - was named club captain in July 2023. Ten Hag made the decision to have Fernandes as skipper due to him being a rare leader by example, a hard worker who leads on the pitch, and a player who connects with his teammates.
Against his captaincy, Fernandes has been fantastic for them, as demonstrated by his contribution to them in the offensive third. His haul for the 2024–25 season amounts to 19 goals and 19 assists with including matches that helped take his team into the Europa League. His leadership has helped put United into the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, in a match which will offer the chance to gain entry to the Champions League, and one more trophy will top it off for him if he wins the match at Bilbao.
Fernandes had shone despite the club’s domestic struggles and had already established himself as a key figure within it. He’s also shown humility and a team-first attitude.
Assessing the impact of both captains in the United jerseyHarry Maguire was a much-hailed captain, but his reign corresponded with a time of underperformance and personal struggle. In opposition, Bruno Fernandes has used his captaincy to inspire others by taking the team and its performance in his stride. His captaincy has been a guiding light over the difficult season and may yet shape up to be a more wholesome captaincy record than his predecessor's.
Also Read: How much prize money Manchester United or Tottenham will earn by winning the Europa League
As Manchester United looks to rebuild and strive for success, Fernandes' influence as captain could be pivotal in shaping the team's future trajectory.
Harry Maguire's captaincy was a period of inconsistency and transitionHarry Maguire was made club captain by then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær in January 2020. After only just signing, Maguire's initial spell was significant for the rock solid, sensible defending of Stone that was a key aspect of his praise from the club's great, Bryan Robson, who was also saying he should wear the armband for his calming influence on and off the pitch.
Proud to make my debut and great to get three points at Old Trafford, the atmosphere was class 🔴
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) August 11, 2019
Clean sheet for the team too. Thanks for the amazing support 🙌 pic.twitter.com/tLj8LzrV8M
Not that it has been smooth sailing for United under Maguire's captaincy. There was no major silverware with the team, Maguire's form slumped, and observers in the stands and the punditry began to see red over the England international's displays. However, under Erik ten Hag, he soon fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford and was then relieving Maguire from the Man United captaincy in July 2023, claiming the group needed a captain to fit the vibe of the group.
Bruno Fernandes' captaincy is about leading by example amid challengesBruno Fernandes - who regularly wore the armband when Maguire was absent - was named club captain in July 2023. Ten Hag made the decision to have Fernandes as skipper due to him being a rare leader by example, a hard worker who leads on the pitch, and a player who connects with his teammates.
FA CUP WINNER 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Ktakc6ECQf
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) May 25, 2024
Against his captaincy, Fernandes has been fantastic for them, as demonstrated by his contribution to them in the offensive third. His haul for the 2024–25 season amounts to 19 goals and 19 assists with including matches that helped take his team into the Europa League. His leadership has helped put United into the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, in a match which will offer the chance to gain entry to the Champions League, and one more trophy will top it off for him if he wins the match at Bilbao.
Fernandes had shone despite the club’s domestic struggles and had already established himself as a key figure within it. He’s also shown humility and a team-first attitude.
Assessing the impact of both captains in the United jerseyHarry Maguire was a much-hailed captain, but his reign corresponded with a time of underperformance and personal struggle. In opposition, Bruno Fernandes has used his captaincy to inspire others by taking the team and its performance in his stride. His captaincy has been a guiding light over the difficult season and may yet shape up to be a more wholesome captaincy record than his predecessor's.
Also Read: How much prize money Manchester United or Tottenham will earn by winning the Europa League
As Manchester United looks to rebuild and strive for success, Fernandes' influence as captain could be pivotal in shaping the team's future trajectory.
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