Fernandes reveals Maguire's gracious response to losing the Manchester United captaincy

Bruno Fernandes has lifted the lid on the private exchange he shared with Harry Maguire after Erik ten Hag stripped Maguire of the Manchester United captaincy in 2023 and handed it to the Portuguese midfielder, revealing that Maguire’s response quickly put any awkwardness to rest.

Fernandes admitted the situation initially felt uncomfortable, largely because he had not spoken to Maguire before being approached by the manager. Ten Hag, however, had already informed Maguire of the decision before consulting Fernandes, and the England defender wasted little time in seeking out his teammate.

“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,” Fernandes said. “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.”

Fernandes was keen to stress that Maguire’s influence on the captaincy has not simply been erased. The pair had already shared leadership responsibilities before the formal change — Fernandes regularly wore the armband when Maguire was absent — and that close working relationship has continued since.

“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,” Fernandes added.

Maguire, whose standing at Old Trafford had been severely undermined by a prolonged dip in form, signed a new one-year contract extension on Friday — a development that underlines his continued place in the squad despite the turbulence of recent seasons. Fernandes acknowledged that being stripped of the captaincy could easily have damaged the dynamic between the two players, but credited Maguire’s professionalism for ensuring it did not.

Fernandes also reflected on the weight of the role itself, recognising the long line of iconic United captains he has joined. He noted that in practical terms the main change has been an increase in media commitments, a responsibility he was already well accustomed to given his profile at the club.