Paul Ince has put forward Scott McTominay as a possible replacement for Harry Maguire as Manchester United captain.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Ince nominated McTominay as the potential successor to Maguire’s armband.
The Scotland international certainly put on a performance worthy of being called the skipper last night.
He scored an excellent goal in United’s 3-1 win against Burnley and nearly added to his tally on numerous occasions.
It was the midfielder’s first goal of the campaign, but he finished past Wayne Hennessey like a seasoned striker.
Away from the penalty area, the 25-year-old put on an assured display in the middle of the Old Trafford pitch.
An exhibition that needs to be repeated on a regular basis if he is to secure a permanent place in Ralf Rangnick’s set-up.
McTominay to replace Maguire?
Purely on the basis of Thursday’s outing, the Scot won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Especially not if he takes over captaining duties from Maguire, as suggested by Ince.
“Me and Michael (Owen) were speaking about we think Maguire’s performances haven’t been great this season,” said the former Red Devil.
“I said to Michael, maybe it might be a case of taking the armband away from Maguire and let him concentrate on his performances.
“I think that could be your answer. If he keeps putting in performances, he could be one of those who could get the armband.”
Could Maguire really get the chop?
It would be a rather damning indictment on Maguire’s season if he were to be stripped of the captaincy.
This is an unlikely scenario, although not unheard of.
Gary Neville was replaced as club captain in 2010 by Ryan Giggs, but this was due to the defender’s long-term absences through injury.
When Maguire does eventually move on, however, a decision about who to pass on the leadership duties to must be made.
McTominay would be high on the list, having been with United since the academy days.
Bruno Fernandes is another option, having stepped in during Maguire’s spell in the side-lines.
For now, the England centre-back is the leader of Rangnick’s pack, but the baton will have to be passed on at some point.
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