BRUNO FERNANDES has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new captain.
But he is just one of SIX players in Erik ten Hag’s leadership group for the upcoming season.
New captain Bruno Fernandes is one of six stars in Man Utd’s leadership groupGetty
ReutersErik ten Hag stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy at the weekend[/caption]
And one of those is a forgotten star who hasn’t played a single Premier League game for the Red Devils.
Fernandes was revealed as United’s latest skipper on Thursday, just days after Harry Maguire was stripped of the armband.
Ten Hag decided a change was needed after the centre-back started just eight league matches for United last term.
And Fernandes, who stood in as captain for most of the campaign, was the natural choice for his boss.
However, the midfielder is not alone in helping decipher the mood of the changing room.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Fernandes is one of six players who make up Ten Hag’s leadership group.
Unsurprisingly, Casemiro is part of the team after an incredible career prior to his United move last summer.
The Brazilian won countless cups with Real Madrid and could yet end up finding himself as United’s official No2.
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Raphael Varane and Casemiro are two of the six in the leadership groupGetty
AFPMarcus Rashford is there as a key club-grown player[/caption]
Another ex-Los Blancos star is also in Ten Hag’s tight-knit team.
Raphael Varane also won numerous trophies in Spain, and is now United’s go-to man at the back following Maguire’s expulsion.
Meanwhile, the other three players in the leadership group bring a homegrown angle to the side.
Marcus Rashford, who has just signed a new long-term contract, is one of Ten Hag’s trusted men these days.
GettyLuke Shaw has emerged as a leader for United[/caption]
GettyTom Heaton is also involved despite never playing in the league for United[/caption]
He is seen as a key English star alongside left-back Luke Shaw, who was also handed a new deal recently.
The final player in the leadership group is said to be none other than Tom Heaton.
The experienced goalie has played just three times in two seasons for United, and is yet to feature in the league.
But after an incredible career for sides like Burnley and Aston Villa, and being a United product himself, Heaton’s experience is of high importance to Ten Hag.
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