Man Utd captaincy: Strip Bruno, give armband to Rashford?

James Shearman

• 16 Mar 2023 19:15 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United should replace Bruno Fernandes with Marcus Rashford as captain, according to former Premier League footballer Danny Murphy.

Rashford has been in remarkable form since returning from the 2022 World Cup.

The 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in all competitions in 2022-23, 14 of which have come in the Premier League.

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Club captain Harry Maguire has rarely featured in United's starting eleven under manager Erik ten Hag.

While vice captain Bruno Fernandes, who has been excellent this season, was heavily criticised for his performance against Liverpool.

The Portugal international appeared to give up as the Red Devils lost 7-0 to their fierce rivals.

Rashford for Man Utd captaincy?

''Rashford would be an ideal captain for United, considering where they are at the moment in Erik ten Hag's team development,'' Murphy wrote in his Daily Mail column.

''He’s becoming an excellent communicator on behalf of the club, confident in front of the microphone and camera.

''Importantly, he has become an elite forward and is clearly enjoying his football.

''People may question whether the armband would be a distraction. I believe he’d thrive on the extra responsibility.''

But Ten Hag has shown no signs of wanting to take the armband away from Fernandes.

''Yes, definitely,” he replied to a question on whether the attacking midfielder would remain captain.

''I think [Fernandes] is having a brilliant season,'' added the Dutch boss.

''He is a really important reason why we are in the position we are because he is giving energy to the team.''

''He is not only running a lot and in the highest intensity, but also in the right way, in the right direction and he is pointing and coaching players.''

Rashford won't be rewarded with the armband anytime soon, it seems.