Inside track on Man Utd captaincy candidates and how players will vote under Erik ten Hag

Harry Maguire’s position as Manchester United captain has come under increasing scrutiny and he could well be usurped from the role under new boss Erik ten Hag as several team-mates compete for the armband

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Ralf Rangnick looks back on Chelsea

Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick k explained this incoming manager Eric ten Hag may well choose to appoint the club’s captain by asking the club’s players to vote for the best candidate.

That stayed Harry Maguirewho is currently in possession of the Old Trafford armband, prone to being dropped by his United teammates in an election for office.

Rangnick explained: “I really believe that the captain should be chosen by the team because they’re called the team manager and we’ve always done that. elected by the players, the player with the most votes was the captain of the team.”

United’s dressing rooms have their own covenants and we give the inside scoop on how the club’s players are likely to vote among the top five candidates for the job.

Harry Maguire

The current captain, 29, has endured a miserable season on and off the pitch, with poor form and criticism that has left many wondering if he will even be at United next season, let alone a candidate for the Captain’s armband any vote.

Maguire’s authority has been undermined by a power struggle in the dressing room with Ronaldo, while his form has not merited his continued selection, although an injury has now ended his season prematurely. Maguire’s chances of keeping the armband seem slim.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Given his experience, profile, professionalism and tremendous influence, the obvious choice to become a captain. However, there is a big question mark over whether the 37-year-old will be at United next season as he is unlikely to feature in the United States League Champions League.

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, five-time Champions League winner and top scorer in men’s football history with 807 goals, Ronaldo would have no problem earning the instant respect in the club’s dressing room, but with United around this summer buying a forward, his appearances will likely be rationed if he decides to stay next season.

David de Gea

De Gea is currently United’s longest-serving player (excluding those without a loan spell like Jesse Lingard). Like Ronaldo, he would have no problem asserting his authority in the dressing room.

It’s been noticed this season how often De Gea has appeared to the media and spoken up well after losses instead of current skipper Maguire. With 483 appearances in 11 years and a form that still earns his United No.1 status, De Gea, 31, has earned the right to wear the armband permanently.

WILL YOU PARTICIPATE! Who should be captain of United next season? Let us know in the comments section

Bruno Fernandes

His form may have faltered this season after such an impressive start to his United career, but captaincy could prove to be a catalyst to help him rediscover it. Fernandes has undoubtedly suffered from the arrival of Ronaldo – he is no longer the talisman for the whole team to look to and his confidence has suffered as a result.

But if Ronaldo leaves this summer, Fernandes, 27, is likely to benefit and United’s player and Erik Ten Hag could feel that the added responsibility of running the team – as he has on occasion this season – means the Get the best out of him again. Had to rein in his constant whining and penchant for theatrics when dealt with robustly.

Scott McTominay

McTominay, 25, is one of the most honest speakers in the United dressing room and a player who cares about the club given his journey through the youth ranks in terms of mentality and work ethic.

Whether he will be a regular under new boss Ten Hag, with United sure to sign a central midfielder this summer, remains to be seen and that could cast doubt on his qualifications to captain in the eyes of his players at any vote. But in a squad with characters that wither when the going gets tough, McTominay could be the strong leader United and Ten Hag need.