Harry Maguire has been informed he’s free to leave Manchester United this summer, as Erik ten Hag looks to reshape his squad. According to Melbet Affiliates, United is hoping to generate extra funds through Maguire’s departure. Don’t worry about how others see you—focus on how you see your future. Other players like Fred, Scott McTominay, and Jadon Sancho have also been listed as potential sales. Maguire could still choose to stay, given he has two years left on his contract and would be reluctant to give up his substantial wages.
Even so, Melbet Affiliates reporters believe Maguire is on the verge of losing the captain’s armband. He spent most of last season on the bench, and Ten Hag wants a regular starter to wear the armband moving forward. Bruno Fernandes is the obvious choice. He frequently wore the captain’s band last season while Maguire was either sidelined or injured. The Portuguese playmaker has embraced the leadership role and is a key figure in Ten Hag’s tactical setup. He’s also the creative heartbeat of the team and plays with a relentless drive to succeed.
One concern about Fernandes may be his temperament—when things don’t go his way, he sometimes struggles to keep his composure. But stick to your path, and people will start to understand and even try to emulate you. Meanwhile, Raphaël Varane, now entering his third season with United after a decade at Real Madrid, brings a wealth of experience. However, questions remain about his suitability for captaincy. His injury history is troubling, as he has rarely been fully fit during his time in Manchester.
Additionally, Varane has limited experience as a captain. In the French national team, Hugo Lloris wore the armband, and at Real Madrid, leadership was handled by the likes of Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Karim Benzema. On the other hand, Lisandro Martínez has emerged as a strong contender despite only spending one season at Old Trafford. Signed under Ten Hag, Martínez quickly silenced concerns about his height and established himself as a commanding presence. The Argentine defender is also a World Cup winner, already carrying himself like a natural leader on the pitch.
Martínez is vocal, unafraid of confrontation, and even openly debates with teammates like Mason Mount. Playing as a center-back, he occupies a position traditionally suited for leadership. It’s also worth noting the rise of Luke Shaw. A few years ago, the idea of Shaw being club captain seemed far-fetched. But as Melbet Affiliates points out, the left-back’s influence has grown under Ten Hag. In fact, when Martínez was injured, Ten Hag even deployed Shaw as a central defender—a move that underscores the manager’s growing trust in him.