Rio Ferdinand sends message to new Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes

Rio Ferdinand has sent a message to Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United announced him as their new captain to replace Harry Maguire.

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United confirmed the news on Thursday after stripping England international defender Maguire of the captaincy.

Fernandes had already been the de facto captain at United given Maguire’s limited role last term and wore the armband in 26 of the side’s 38 Premier League matches in the 2022-23 season – plus a further 16 times in cup competitions.

The Portuguese star moved to Old Trafford in 2020, registering 64 goals and 54 assists across 185 games for the Red Devils thus far.

Former United centre-back Ferdinand has congratulated Fernandes on taking the armband as he delivered a heartfelt message on social media.

‘What an honour it is to play for Man Utd but to be given the extra responsibility to lead the team out is something special,’ Ferdinand posted on Twitter.

‘Bruno has delivered numbers [and] performances throughout his time in a red shirt that make his announcement as captain an inevitable one.

‘He takes risks, he craves the responsibility, wants to be the difference – all great traits. I really think he will thrive.

‘The only advice for this new role is to just be YOU [and] be authentic… as that’s what got you to this point! Good luck.’

Maguire, meanwhile, has been urged to leave United by Ferdinand, who says the 30-year-old will become a ‘squad player’ under Erik ten Hag if he sticks around.

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