"He’s the pride of the fans at Old Trafford" - Pundit urges Erik ten Hag to appoint England star as Manchester United captain

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Manchester United v Manchester City - 2024 FA Community Shield - Source: Getty
Manchester United v Manchester City - 2024 FA Community Shield - Source: Getty

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit wants Erik ten Hag to name Kobbie Mainoo as the new captain of Manchester United. He believes that the English midfielder is the future of the club and should be handed the responsibility early in his career.

Speaking to Top Offshore Sportsbooks, Petit stated that Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are the future of Manchester United and can be the leaders. He believes that they should be handed more responsibility. He said (via Metro):

"I'm looking at the squad and I can't see any leaders. United's best players have been the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobie Mainoo. It would be a bold move, but If I'm Ten Hag, maybe I would make a strong decision and appoint the future of the club (Mainoo) as my captain. Mainoo is young, but he's English. He's establishing himself in the national team. He's the pride of the fans at Old Trafford. Maybe Erik ten Hag needs to make a statement to his underperforming players and fight that says I'm ready to fight with those who are ready to fight with me."

Erik ten Hag named Bruno Fernandes as the new Manchester United captain after taking the armband off Harry Maguire.

Mainoo has made 39 appearances for the Red Devils since breaking into the first team last season and is already one of the most important players in the side.

Why Emmanuel Petit wants Bruno Fernandes removed as Manchester United captain

Emmanuel Petit believes that Bruno Fernandes is often "crying" on the pitch when the Red Devils aren't doing well and is not good enough to lead the team. He claims that the Manchester United captain should be able to control his emotions and said:

"For me, [he] is a player that highlights the problems at ManUtd. He's a good player, but most of the time, I don't like the way he behaves on the pitch. He acts like a diva. He doesn't help or encourage his teammates when the chips are down. When ManUtd are suffering, he's always crying; always showing his disappointment."

Petit added:

"That is not what you expect from your captain. You're expecting more encouragement, leadership. Someone that brings positivity. When you've got a guy like Bruno at the top of your club, a player that is supposed to be the leader of the club on and off the pitch, and he acts the way that he does, that is going to have a knock-on effect on players that can't be good."

Erik ten Hag's job is in danger despite signing a new contract in the summer. The Red Devils have lost two of their opening three matches in the Premier League this season, including a 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford.

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Edited by Arshit Garg
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