Harry Maguire rҽvҽalҽd on Sunday that he is no longer the captain of Manchester United, with head coach Erik ten Hag deciding to make a change for the 2023-24 campaign.

The center-back started just eight Premier League games for the Red Devils last season and is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer in search of a regular starting spot.

In a statement posted on Man United’s official website, the club said: “Everyone at Manchester United thanks Harry for his contributions as captain over the past three and a half years. The coach will announce the new captain in due time after he has informed the players.”

Here, Sports Mole selects three players with solid competition to be the club’s captain in the new season.

Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes took the captain’s armband in Maguire’s absence last season, and he is clearly the favorite candidate to be appointed permanent captain for the 2023-24 campaign.

The 28-year-old has been with Man United since January 2020, playing for the club 185 games in all competitions, scoring 64 goals and providing 54 assists.

Fernandes was the captain of Sporting Lisbon before moving to Old Trafford, and he certainly showed leadership qualities during his time at Manchester.

Ten Hag clearly believes in handing the Portugal international the captain’s armband, and many expect the midfielder to be announced as club captain soon, having thrived in the role. in the previous term.

Raphael Varane

Varane captained United in the first friendly of the summer against Leeds United last week, and the center-back will certainly be considered by Ten Hag for the role in the long term.

The 30-year-old was widely expected to take over as France’s captain after Hugo Lloris retired from international competition, but he later decided to retire from the national team as well.

An experienced defender, Varane won three La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, and four Champions League titles during his time at Rҽal Madrid, in addition to winning the World Cup with France.

Varane struggled with ιnjury problems during his time at United but showed great quality last season, and Ten Hag will be hoping to land the Frenchman for the rest of next season.

Casemiro

Much has been made of Casemiro’s big-money move to Man United from Rҽal Madrid last summer, with the Red Devils turning their attention to the Brazilian after they abandoned interest in Frenkie de Jong.

However, the 31-year-old has performed brilliantly in his first season at Old Trafford, making 51 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals, and providing six assists in the process.

Casemiro was confirmed as Brazil’s new captain earlier this year, and he is also in contention for the armband for his club due to his leadership skills.

The midfielder certainly enjoys the respect of his teammates, and he will no doubt enjoy the opportunity to captain the 20-time England champions.

At this point, Fernandes is clearly the favorite, but Varane and Casemiro are the rҽal options, while special mentions must also be given to Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez.