Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed the supportive message Harry Maguire gave him after losing the club’s captaincy in 2023.
Fernandes recalled the conversation while discussing his journey as Manchester United captain and the important role Maguire played in helping him adjust to the responsibility.
Maguire had been Manchester United’s captain before then-manager Erik ten Hag decided to remove him from the role in July 2023. Fernandes was subsequently appointed as the new permanent captain.
According to Fernandes, he initially felt uncomfortable about the decision because Maguire was still at the club and had previously held the leadership position.
However, when Fernandes spoke to the England defender, Maguire responded positively and showed his support for the new captain.
“I still remember the words he said to me when he lost the captain armband,” Fernandes said.
“He was like, ‘If I had to lose the captaincy to someone, I’m happy that it is to you because I think you deserve it. I think you’re going to be a great captain for us.’”
Fernandes said Maguire’s response was an important moment for him because it strengthened his desire to take responsibility and become a better leader.
The Portuguese midfielder also made it clear that he did not want Maguire to stop leading the team simply because he had lost the official captaincy.
“I want you to still lead on my side because I think you have the qualities to be the captain of the club,” Fernandes recalled telling Maguire.
Fernandes said Maguire remained supportive throughout the transition and believes that encouragement helped him develop as a captain.
“He was always very supportive of it and I think that was the main key for me to then grow up as a captain and become better also,” he added.
