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Manchester United have endured a horrid season so far, at least by their own high standards. The Red Devils will hold onto the possibility of securing Champions League football next season. However, they continue to be haunted by issues that plagued them under the previous management.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time at the club had its pros and cons. But no decision seems as poor as making Harry Maguire captain. The Englishman is the most expensive defender on the planet but has failed to live up to his immense price tag.
This makes Solskjaer's decision to hand him the United armband even more puzzling. Maguire has often looked out of his depth and is simply unable to show the personality, charisma and strength of character commonly associated with previous captains.
The Red Devils have been led out by some legendary and inspirational players in the past. Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Nemanja Vidic, and Wayne Rooney are a few names that come to mind.
Interim Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has openly stated that he won't be removing Maguire from the role of captain, at least not yet. This has done little to placate the United faithful, many of whom strongly believe the England international isn't fit for the role.
Here is a list of five players at Manchester United, who could potentially replace Harry Maguire.
#5 Scott McTominay
Last year, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed the captain's armband to Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay during the FA Cup clash against Watford. Harry Maguire started on the bench, which allowed the opportunity for another player to take up the responsibility.
McTominay notably took the position in stride, scoring the decisive goal that saw Manchester United snatch a slot in the next round of the competition. Now with Rangnick at the helm of affairs at Old Trafford, McTominay has showcased his qualities to the German tactician.
After the game against Aston Villa earlier this month, Rangnick noted that the Scotland international had leadership skills, stating:
"I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years he would be the captain of this team."
#4 Marcus Rashford
Already in the limelight due to his performances for United in previous seasons, Marcus Rashford took England by storm with his non-profit work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Already showing strong leadership qualities in the public eye, it was hardly a surprise when Gareth Southgate handed Rashford the armband for the England national team last year. The young star marked the occasion against Romania in fine fashion, scoring a goal on the day and becoming England's 12th-youngest captain.
While his time has yet to come to wear the armband at Old Trafford, Rashford is clearly on the right path. After the star gave teammate Anthony Martial his penalty during the clash against Leipzig in October 2020, former footballer Owen Hargreaves praised Rashford's selflessness.
Hargreaves believes Rashford is capable of inheriting the armband from Harry Maguire. He told BTSport:
"I love that - he's looking out for his teammates. Marcus knows he's gonna get his numbers, I love that. That's being a great teammate. That's why he's gonna be the captain because he thinks about everyone else."
#3 Bruno Fernandes
Back in October of 2020, Bruno Fernandes got his first opportunity to lead the Red Devils after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed him the captain's armband. It was a big moment for the star. Fernandes wore the armband against PSG in the Champions League as Maguire was injured.
Having had the experience of leading Sporting Lisbon while in Portugal, Fernandes stepped up to answer Solskjaer's call, adding his name to the scoresheet.
Under Ralf Rangnick's management, Harry Maguire has spent a number of games on the bench. With the permanent captain not starting, Bruno Fernandes has led the team against Aston Villa and Brentford.
The playmaker has taken charge with ease and is currently enjoying a brilliant run of form. With two goals and two assists in their last two games, Fernandes has no problem performing with the pressure of the armband.
#2 David de Gea
A clear, obvious player who could captain the Red Devils moving forward is Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea. Aside from the fact that he is currently Manchester United's longest-serving player, the star goalkeeper has shown a high level of consistency.
De Gea was reportedly in line for the armband and he would have gotten it instead of Harry Maguire. However, the star's criticism of Solskjaer's tactics and his teammates is believed to have damaged his chances of leading United.
David de Gea, though, has captained the Red Devils a number of times in the past. The Spanish star opened up about his experiences as the team's leader after agreeing to a new six-year deal at Old Trafford back in 2019.
"I've been captain for some games. Of course, it is amazing to be captain of a club like Manchester United and defend this badge. It's amazing, so of course, I'll be really, really happy to be captain."
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
When Ralf Rangnick named Cristiano Ronaldo as captain for Manchester United's game against Wolves, it took the United fanbase by storm. Harry Maguire was out due to an injury and Rangnick delighted many fans with his decision.
It didn't take long for many fans to call for the Portuguese talisman to be made the permanent captain. However, Rangnick has insisted that a change won't be made as he doesn't see a reason to strip Maguire of the armband.
Ronaldo stunned the footballing world when Manchester United announced his return. However, the club has struggled this season. The Portuguese star has been seen motivating his teammates during games. He has also urged members of the squad to improve their mentality in interviews.
Rangnick, so far, has supported Ronaldo's words but isn't ready to give the star the armband permanently. If Maguire is eventually removed from the role, Ronaldo will certainly be a strong choice to become the next captain.
