Raphael Varane says taking Manchester United captaincy away from Harry Maguire and appointing Bruno Fernandes shows Erik ten Hag isn’t afraid to make big decisions

Manchester United defender, Raphael Varane has been convinced that the club coach Erik ten Hag isn’t afraid to make big decisions after 

he took captaincy away from Harry Maguire and appointed Bruno Fernandes. 

The Dutch football coach took the captaincy away from Harry Maguire and has given the armband to Fernandes ahead of the new campaign. 

Varane said that Ten Hag has a clear vision of wanting a team with character at United and has shown great determination since he came to the club.

Varane told ESPN: ‘He wants a team with character and he’s the leader so he has to show it himself.

‘He’s not scared to take these decisions and take that responsibility. That is what we expect from the manager. He did it so I think, with things like this, you show by example.

‘He knows exactly what he wants. He’s shown that determination and from the first day we’ve known exactly what we’ve had to do and where he wants to go. It’s all clear for the players and for the team and we have a good connection with the manager.’

Maguire was previously appointed captain by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but the defender has fallen out of favour under ten Hag and is no longer a regular starter.

Reflecting on Ten Hag’s decision, Maguire admitted that he was ‘extremely disappointed’.

However, Maguire stated that he is determined to continue giving his all for United. 

Maguire wrote on Twitter: ‘After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain.

‘He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.

‘So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband.’

Maguire also expressed his appreciation to Solskjaer for appointing him as captain. 

He said: ‘Since the day I took on the role, three and half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date,’ he added. ‘It’s one of the greatest honours in club football.

‘I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful – on and off the field. I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.’

During his time as United boss ten Hag hasn’t been afraid to upset big names, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who ended up leaving the club.