Bruno Fernandes has opened up about the captaincy change at Manchester United in 2023, when Erik ten Hag decided to hand the armband from Harry Maguire to him.
Fernandes admitted he felt a bit awkward at first, but Maguire was supportive in helping him adjust to his new role.
“To be honest, when I was asked if I wanted to be the club's captain, I felt a little uncomfortable because obviously I hadn't spoken about it with Harry,” Fernandes explained in an interview with LIFEJACKET.
“However, he found out before I did, so I think the manager spoke to him before he came to me. He handled it very well. He came over, had a chat with me and said that if he had to lose the armband, it should go to someone like me. That made me feel a bit more relaxed about the situation, especially since we had such a close relationship. He had been the captain and I had filled in as captain when he was absent.”
The change in status did nothing to tarnish their relationship, as the players continued to effectively manage the United dressing room together.
“We knew this would maintain our communication regarding the things we needed to sort out in the dressing room and so on,” Fernandes added.
“And since then, nothing has changed. Obviously, the armband is mine, but I've always made it clear to Harry that he is also part of the captaincy. I believe he deserves that respect for everything he's done for the club and for me since I arrived.”
