Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has praised Harry Maguire’s reaction to being stripped of the captaincy.
Fernandes was named as the new permanent captain by Erik ten Hag on Thursday, with Maguire being demoted to vice-captain.
The Portuguese playmaker said that Maguire had congratulated him on his new role and that he understood the defender’s position.
“Harry congratulated me on the new captaincy election and he said he is really happy for me,” Fernandes said.
“I understand his position is not the best at the moment. It has to be difficult for him but he had a great moment with me.
“We have always had a good relationship and I am happy that he is happy for me.”
Maguire had been United’s captain since 2020, but he has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months.
The 29-year-old has been criticized for his performances on the pitch, and he was also the subject of a bomb threat earlier this year.
Fernandes said that he was confident that Maguire would be able to bounce back from this difficult period.
“I am sure that Harry will come back stronger,” he said. “He is a great player and a great professional.
“He has the support of all of us in the team and I am sure that he will be back to his best soon.”
Fernandes will be hoping to lead United to a successful season in 2023/24. The club finished sixth in the Premier League last season and they have not won a trophy since 2017.
The new captain will be looking to help United challenge for the title and to end their trophy drought.
