“It is Upto Me” – After Casemiro’s Interest in Leading the Team, Manchester United Boss Rules Out Democratic Decision on the Captaincy

Manchester United star Harry Maguire’s ride with the club has been a bumpy one, ever since he took the Red Devils’ armband in 2020. Although the defender proved impactful for the club initially, recurrent defensive mistakes, and injuries have marred his stint. Recently, word got out that Maguire will have to step down as the team’s captain, even if he were to stay. United, nevertheless, houses a bunch of veterans who can fill Maguire’s shoes. Veteran defensive midfielder Casemiro has even shown an interest in taking up the captain’s role. Turns out, it won’t be up to Casemiro to decide who the team’s captain will be.

Manchester United’s boss Erik Ten Hag has recently broken his silence on the team’s captaincy. Seems like there is no space for a democratic decision regarding the side’s captaincy.

Manchester United coach breaks his silence on the team’s captaincy

Five-time UEFA Champions League winner Casemiro has been having a good run with Manchester United since he joined the side in 2022. The Brazilian’s numbers from his first season in England are similar to that of his best seasons with Real Madrid. Furthermore, the 31-year-old was crucial in Manchester United’s triumphant English League Cup campaign. In the books, and also for many fans, Casemiro is good to acquire the armband. “I like having this role, yes, to be honest. Being a leader, caring, being like a father, going after things, I like to set an example, be the first to arrive,” Casemiro told Placar about his captaincy dreams.

Meanwhile, United houses equally capable potential captains such as Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane, and Marcus Rashford. But do any of these players or their teammates get to choose their leader? Well, their boss Erik Ten Hag says no. “No, I don’t let the dressing room vote. It is up to me,” the Dutch manager told reporters about the team’s captaincy after their first pre-season friendly against freshly relegated Leeds United.

The entire soccer world will now be eyeing Erik Ten Hag’s final decision, as the Red Devils are set to take their talents to the UEFA Champions League once again. Anyhow, Ten Hag has got a variety of options at hand to choose the team’s next leader.

Main candidates for the Red Devils’ captaincy

During Manchester United’s most recent pre-season win against Leeds United, it was the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Raphael Varane who donned the captain’s hat. The Frenchman is truly a worthy candidate for captaincy. Meanwhile, Portuguese national Bruno Fernandes is yet another star who is worthy of acquiring the armband. Last season, when Maguire missed out on matches due to injury, Ten Hag chose Fernandes to captain the team. Thanks to Fernandes’ leadership and consistency, the Red Devils won the English League Cup and earned a trip to the UEFA Champions League.

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As per many updates, Fernandes is most likely to land the role. Other than Fernandes, Casemiro, experienced Marcus Rashford too will make a good fit for the Devils’ leader. What are your thoughts on Ten Hag’s comments? Whom do you think he will choose as United’s captain? Tell us in the comments below.

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