Man Utd stars given power to replace Harry Maguire – and choice is ‘unanimous’

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is under pressure to strip Harry Maguire of the armband and the players have reportedly announced their preferred candidate for the role

David de Gea is reportedly set to become the next Manchester United captain and has the support of the dressing room.

New manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure to take the armband off current skipper Harry Maguire after a poor campaign. The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to challenge for silverware, with Maguire’s own performances often criticised.

Ten Hag refused to confirm whether Maguire would retain the captaincy during his unveiling and it’s claimed most of the squad want Spain international De Gea to take the armband ahead of the England defender and veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to The Sun, Ten Hag is happy to give the armband to the most popular candidate in the dressing room. It’s believed De Gea is the ‘overwhelming candidate’ because of the ‘respect and belief’ he commands from his playing colleagues.

Yet the reported move is not viewed as a ‘rebellion’ against Maguire and he is still expected to be a key member of the squad. The 29-year-old was surprisingly made United’s captain in January 2020, just six months after arriving from Leicester for £80million.

Maguire impressed during his first two seasons at the club – playing 107 games in all competitions – but has failed to replicate that form since England’s defeat in the final of Euro 2020. He missed eight Premier League games this term due to injury and form.

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De Gea has put himself in the frame to become United’s next skipper after a stunning revival. After briefly losing his starting spot to Dean Henderson in 2020-21, the Spaniard played every single Premier League game in 2021-22.

He was one of the few positives for United this season, winning the Players’ Player of the Year award at the club. De Gea was also named as the Premier League’s Player of the Month in January, although he is yet to regain his starting spot at international level.

De Gea has just completed his 11th season at Old Trafford after arriving from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011. He is set to make his 500th appearance for United next season and has won four major honours, including the Premier League in 2012-13.

Ronaldo is another obvious candidate for the captaincy. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has a good track record with the armband, leading Portugal to success at Euro 2016 and the Nations League three years later – the country’s only major honours.

Bruno Fernandes has also worn the armband for United before and would be a good long-term option. He’s expected to be the club’s talisman for years to come after a blistering first 18 months at Old Trafford – scoring 40 goals – although he managed just 10 this term.

The final candidate among current squad members is Scott McTominay. The Scotland international’s mentality and work ethic has been praised, yet it’s unclear whether he’s got the ability to be a permanent fixture in United’s midfield under Ten Hag.