Being captain of Manchester United is a privilege and a burden. Especially for those awarded the armband post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
During the Scotsman’s tenure at Old Trafford, he selected some of the finest skippers to have graced these shores.
Between 1992 and 2014, the armband was passed from Bryan Robson to Steve Bruce then on to Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Nemanja Vidic.
Wayne Rooney succeeded Vidic the year after Ferguson hung up his managerial suit. United fans may want to argue over whether that was a success or not.
Once United’s all-time leading scorer joined Everton in 2017, the captaincy fell into the lap of Michael Carrick, who retired at the end of 2017/18.
Antonio Valencia came after Carrick, but the Colombian left the club the following campaign. Ashley Young was up next, only to join Inter Milan in January 2020.
What is happening with Harry Maguire?
The present chief on the pitch is Harry Maguire but the defender has been a curious captain to say the least.
His first full term in charge was something of a success. He led the Red Devils to second in the Premier League and the Europa League final, although he had to sit out the latter through injury.
This season hasn’t been quite so fruitful, however. A combination of missed matches and poor performances have caused Maguire to suffer in the past few months.
Paul Ince suggested the weight of the armband has been affecting the centre-back.
“Me and Michael (Owen) were speaking about (it). We think Maguire’s performances haven’t been great this season,” said the ex-United midfielder.
“I said to Michael, maybe it might be a case of taking the armband away from Maguire and letting him concentrate on his performances.”
Ince went on to put forward Scott McTominay as an alternative captain to Maguire. This got us thinking: who else could be in line to become United’s next skipper?
Scott McTominay
Ince may sometimes possess questionable views, but his one on McTominay is agreeable to us.
The Scotland international has regularly demonstrated maturity beyond his 25 years when senior players have shown petulance.
He is an experienced head on relatively young shoulders and knows United inside out.
Ferguson brought his fellow countryman to Manchester, so it only feels right a member of the Tartan Army carries on his legacy.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is another who has the natural make-up of a captain. Hard-working, constantly talking and 100% committed to the cause.
Fernandes has worn the armband on occasion during Maguire’s absences, so he already knows what it’s like to take on such responsibility.
Yet, the former Sporting Lisbon talisman is only a year younger than the current captain and is probably more likely to leave United first.
Luke Shaw
A slightly left-field choice – if you’ll pardon the pun – but one that does make sense if the elements are broken down.
Luke Shaw isn’t afraid to speak his mind, as evident after the 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
This honest attitude is in the mould of Roy Keane, who built a reputation as a straight talker.
At 26, the full-back is in the middle bracket of the squad’s age range, therefore he can relate to younger and older members of Ralf Rangnick’s camp.
David De Gea
Sometimes captains don’t need to scream or shout. They just need to lead by example and let others follow.
David De Gea slots into this bracket smoothly. Goalkeepers are often seen but not heard, which often works for them.
If anyone is deserving of the captaincy from August onwards, it’s the Spanish shot-stopper.
He has been heroic in the net for United, often saving them from capitulation. Keepers infamously have a longer shelf life, so De Gea could easily outstay Maguire or any of his Old Trafford teammates.
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